Customer Reviews

Barrage - The World on Stage

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In the lineage of "Stomp", "Blue Man Group" and "Blast", this group of talented violinists, guitarist, percussionists, and bassist are breaking new ground with the use of the violin. The music is stunning, and their personalities are enchanting. It is really wonderful to see excellent musicians having a great time making music. I use this as a teaching tool for my elementary music classes, and the students love it!!!! The guitarist is phenomenal and the selection of music is perfect. Own this, you won't be sorry!

The first thing to catch my ears while watching/listening to this video was a number early on which featured lots of percussion and a wierd Buddhist-monk-like chant undercurrent in the music. From there on I was completely hooked on this group's extremely energetic (super-charged) and highly eclectic mix of music. Although there're lots of violins (I stopped counting at 11!)the music's not at all stuffy, concert-like or orchestral - and having all the violins also doesn't overpower the musical numbers - which run the gamut from an Irish jig to a medley of 40's tunes. I understand that this group is extremely popular in Europe and their native Canada - and I also saw their show recently on a PBS fundraiser - my advice is to try and catch a re-run on your local PBS station if you're doubtful - but if you like a wild ride with violins and percussion - and if your tastes in music run somewhere between Enya and Stomp, this group's CD and video is for you!

Not only have I seen this video, I've seen Barrage live on stage a couple of times (seeing them once is not enough). Barrage is amazing...the music will capture you (they play all kinds...you'll even like the stuff you wouldn't normally listen to), and the choreography will leave you breathless (how DO they play violins while jumping around like that?). The fun the group has playing "Old Joe Clark" and "Sing, Sing, Sing" is contagious, and the moving melodies of "Mountain Spring" almost brought me to tears remembring a time gone by. If you get this DVD, you won't be disappoinetd.

This video was made in December 1999 of this ensemble on stage in Calgary and was the program aired on PBS during their last pledge drive. An unusually electric sound led by violinists who are not only accomplished musicians, singers and dancers but PERFORMERS who obviously enjoy blending these skills simultaneously into a stage presence that exceeds "outstanding."

They enjoy performing their eclectic musical selections in a frenzied orgy of celebration as only possible when such talent performs for its own amusement. Like sitting in on an intimate jam-session.

A Canadian ensemble that plays Global-Music from varied cultures in a manner that introduces the listener to the pulse of humanity without being pretentious or self-conscious. Must be seen and heard by those who enjoy lifting their spirit beyond the mundane. Will make your pants want to get up and dance!

Get up, I mean get "down" and get this one!!

Barrage puts on a powerhouse of a show that will get your hands clapping and your feet tapping. The performers are very gifted, and it's clear that they love performing for an audience. This is a show you'll want to view again and again.

The DVD is a great addition to anyone's collection, but don't be mislead by the label. It says that the DVD contains two bonus features: "Documentary" and "Biography". It actually contains neither. The "Documentary" is a documentary PROMO that gives just a couple minutes worth of the actual documentary of their tour of Europe. Presumably the real documentary will be available as a separate title in the future. The "Biography" is just a few static screens that tells nothing about the individual members of the group; it's really more about the production company...

I was unlucky enough to hear Vanessa Williams( sorry, van... too many uh's and oh's) as a keynote speaker at our state music teacher conference but LUCKY enough to hear the following act BARRAGE. Those of us(which included mostly non-string teachers)contentedly not familiar with this group had no idea what we were in for. WHAT A FORCE!!! As a musician/actor, it was so wonderful to see and hear real MUSICIANS exhibiting the total musicianship that we teachers have been striving for. My students were stunned by the fact that these people could sing/dance/act/play equally well. Isn't this what we are trying to teach? A great investment for a music teacher!!!!

Being a violin player myself, I am always on the lookout for good violin music. I am open to all styles of music, from classical and jazz to rap and heavy metal. One day, I picked up the remote and started channel surfing. I stopped when I saw this group of musicians performing really catchy music. I fell instantly in love with them. As soon as I could, I bought the CD and DVD, and did everything I possibly could to see them live! I bought the Barrage sheet music, and was first in line to get autographs. I was so psyched to meet them. Most people heard the word 'violin' and they think, ew classical music [stinks], but this is quality music. It's a fusion of everything you could possibly do on the violin. I highly recommend Barrage to anyone who is a fan of music!

I saw Barrage live as the entertainment at an international business convention. The DVD is a great representation of the talent of the band members and the energy they bring to the stage. As far as features go, it's an unexceptional DVD. Buy it for the music and show - not for any extras.

I had the great fortune to see Barrage in concert last winter, and I was totally blown away by their high-octane performance. Made up of eight Canadian violinists/dancers/vocalists and additional musicians on percussion and bass, Barrage is brimming with youthful energy. Their music is a blend of Celtic, folk, Eastern, and big band swing, and the eight performers also sing and dance while fiddling. A blend of Riverdance and Stomp, the concert is interspersed with comments by the various performers. The projected backgrounds are vivid and Celtic-inspired, reminding me once again of Riverdance.

Although the DVD label claims that there is a documentary and biography, both claims are misleading. There is a short promo for *a* documentary, and a very brief biography of the band in general. Barrage: The World on Stage is perfect for aspiring stepdancers, fiddlers, violinists, and anyone who loves Celtic music and a rowdy good time (think Canadian family group Leahy).

My mother and I seen this concert on a television station. It was impossible to find in stores. I ordered this for her for mothers day and also one for myself. I had the date of the approximate arrival of the DVD's. They actually arrived much sooner. Both DVD's were in excellent condition.