A · B · C · D · E · F · G · H · I · J · K · L · M · N · O · P · Q · R · S · T · U · V · W · X · Y · Z · #

MY RECORD

COLLECTION

HOME· ARTISTS· ALBUMS· COUNTRY· LABELS· GENRES· WANTS

The Taj-Mahal Travellers

Probably one of the best groups to work exclusively with drones, The Taj-Mahal Travellers have picked up quite a cult following over the years. These recordings are over thirty years old, but for years, most of them were completely unavailable and became the stuff of legends. The obscure curio per excellence. And once you get to hear them, you may understand why. This troupe of japanese experimentalists, led by Takahisa Kosugi (who also worked within the Fluxus movement) have created some of the most fascinating recordings ever to make it on wax. The soundscapes are long, earthy drones created by multiple instruments, from electronic violins to traditional instruments to tape modulators, all of tem drenched in reverb and delay. The music might get loud at times, but there is something soothing and pastoral about the sounds they create.

The group is also recognize for their performance traditions. The group would sit on the ground or floor (depending on if they were outside or inside). They would also play at specific times during the day, probably for inspiration, at sunrise, when the sun reaches it's apex, or inside late at night. Many groups do this now, for example Double Leopards have surely been inspired by this aspect of The Taj-Mahal Travellers (their music is also quite similar, but with a much harder edge), as they would often perform with all instruments on the floor. The Skaters are another good example. Their influence is also evident in other artists who have adopted the psychedelic side of The Taj-Mahal Travellers; all that reverb and delay is bound to make you day trip every time you put the headphones on.

I started listening to The Taj-Mahal Travellers out of pure curiosity. I was surfing the internet. I believe I was reading about Acid Mothers Temple and the Taj-Mahal Travellers were mentioned, so I tried to find info about them, and the descriptions I have found made them sound incredibly fascinating to me so I just had to hear them as soon as possible. I believe I called a local store the same day to find out if they had the August 1974 double CD. Surprisingly enough they did and after a quick ride to downtown Montreal, I purchased it. To this day, it is always on my iPod and I listen too it whenever I want to reach new levels of consciousness.

---