PlayCajon EP 15: Taku Hirano

Taku Hirano is regarded by many as one of the top percussionists on the touring and recording circuit. He has recorded and performed with some of the most iconic musicians in human history. It is an impressive list and it includes: Fleetwood Mac, Steven Tyler, John Mayer, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston, Smokey Robinson, Pharell Williams, Snoop Dogg, Jay Z, Dr Dre, LeAnn Rimes, Shakira, and… Aretha Franklin. Taku has performed in major arenas and stadiums in 30 countries across five continents, twice for President Nelson Mandela, and on three separate occasions for President Barack Obama including the administration’s first State dinner, honoring His Excellency Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India. In 2010/2011 Taku was the percussionist with Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson Immortal tour a massive production that toured the world for two years and spanned many continents. Taku Hirano is a master of many styles of percussion and is about as professional as they come, not only with his incredible resume but also with his disciplined and methodical approach improving to his craft. Along with being one of the most successful session percussionists in the world, Taku also has his own successful clothing company called 3rd culture style.

(First published Mar 29th 2016)