August 12, 2009

Beat a path to catch the noise and fireworks of drumming spectacle.
TAO
Spectacular is the second most Fringe reviews – after hilarious but this show is definitely a spectacle, both a feast for eyes and ears and one that the crowd at the Assembly Hall clearly adored.

Masters of percussion, the performers battered and beat their drums into submission, creating almost hypnotic rhythms as well as an amazing visual impact, The light catching the sticks created displays like sparklers on bonfire night and there were plenty of other visual fireworks on show.
The true brilliance of this show was the ability of the performers to balance thunderous tub thumping with moments of delicacy and playfulness.
This is a show of rare excellence and exactly what the Fringe was made for.
Run, don’t walk to the box office.

Home Fringe Music Tao – Samurai Magical Drumming
Hard of hearing? You will be after seeing this show! The pace and energy of this show is unlike anything I have witnessed before, with the drummers being as much athletes as musicians. This show displays a fantastic combination of drumming, music, dance and physical exertion – you need look no further than the drummer’s faces to see that they throw themselves into the rhythm of the performance. At times the drumming and foot stomping makes the performance as loud and powerful as a war march, and yet the incorporation of flutes and more gentle forms of music and dance do help to soften the inevitably repetitive beat of the drums.
The precision and power of the show is heightened by the infectious smiles and enthusiasm of the performers. With their beautiful costumes and perfectly choreographed martial arts, it’s exhausting just watching the dedication and skill of these entertainers! Everyone in the audience quickly get caught up in the infectious passion of the show. The Tao drumming troupe may be some of the most talented performers on the Fringe, and their show will undoubtedly be a sell-out once again – don’t miss this! 
 EDINBURGH FESTIVALS Website>>

TAO- Samurai Magical Drumming　★★★★★
Perhaps 11 people playing drums, flutes, horns and cymbals with one or two other percussion instruments added just for a variety may not seem like a great Fringe show to you but it is.
These eight well muscled men and three young ladies handle drums of all sizes, dance and occasionally chant for one hour solid with just the sweat running down their bodies to show for their exertions. All of the music has a strong beat and each number was welcomed with enthusiasm from the audience. Little comedy interludes in the guise of duelling drums and drumsticks occurred occasionally but the number for me was the Samurai interpretation of a Haka.
it was absolutely amazing.
Basically sit back and enjoy the spectacle that is 'Tao'

One4review　Website>>

Tao Samurai Drums
16 Aug 2009 ★★★★★ arthur and bette ellis, Edinburgh
If you can afford to see only one show this year, then this is the one to see! It must have taken years of practise to get to this level of expertise, but hte thing is that the cast appeared to enjoy the show as much as the audience.
Would give more than 5 stars if this was possible - thanks for an amazing evening.

Absolutely breathtaking
15 Aug 2009 ★★★★★ Carl, Bristol,England
There is something very primeval about drumming and these guys certainly evoke that spirit in their audience.
It was a stunning high octane performance that left me wanting more, I would have happily paid £30 to see this show and would have gone again if not retuning home the next morning. If you like drums you would be a mug to miss this, especially as according to their website, they don’t get to our shores very often.

Fantastic
12 Aug 2009 ★★★★★ M, UK
Came back to see them again. Brilliant. This is an absolute Fringe must see.

10 stars would not be enough!
12 Aug 2009 ★★★★★ Doug, Scotland
WOW! The best so far. Once seen never forgotten! There is no other show like it.
Truly magical For once what it says in the title is delivered.


10 Aug 2009 ★★★★★ Helen Peak, Britain
I saw Tao the last time they were at the Fringe, and they were the first act I looked for when I got my brochure.
High energy and excellent percussionists, they miss no chance to make the drumming visually stunning and great fun.
We were right at the front but in the corner of the stalls, so we could see the manic glee in the eyes of the drummers and the blur of their flying sticks. At one point I was praying that the one nearest me didn't let go of his stick, or it would have hit me in the eye. Sadly, this position meant that our view of the interplay between the drummers was obscured on this occasion, but I can say it’s spectacular to watch. I was tired just from clapping, never mind leaping around walloping drums.
This is my favourite Fringe show ever (I've lived here since 1995) and I cannot recommend it enough. The two standing ovations they received show that I'm not alone.

A fantastic Sunday night!
10 Aug 2009 ★★★★★ Xinrui Zhang, China
The ticket for Tao is a bit more expensive than other shows, but I must say it was totally worth the price!
After the show last night, I immediatly rushed to the box office and bought another three tickets, because my parents are coming this weekend, and I want them to witness the best!