Dada Rhythm 打打リズム
Dada Rhythm (打打リズム) is a unique percussion trio of Taiko Saito. Originally formed as a duo between Saito and Moritz Baumgärtner on drums in 2021, the project evolved into a trio with Els Vandeweyer (vibraphone, percussion). The group occasionally collaborates with Evi Filippou, who contributes vibraphone and percussion, highlighting their flexible lineup and expanding their musical range.
The name “打打” (Dada) means “to strike” in Japanese and Chinese, symbolizing the core essence of percussion while also exploring the creative potential of sound and melody. Through the use of various materials, including wood, metal, leather, and plastic, the trio crafts a rich tapestry of textures, balancing lyrical expressiveness with improvisational dynamism. Their approach reimagines percussion as more than just a rhythmic tool, delving into its tonal and textural possibilities. The music shifts from minimalistic repetition to complex polyrhythms and from serene silences to explosive dynamics, creating a unique and captivating auditory experience. The interplay between the delicate, transparent timbres of marimba and vibraphone and the dynamic energy of drums defines their sound, forming a unique musical language inspired by the acoustic properties of natural materials.