BARRAGE
Barrage (Suite 192 Music)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Barrage is the Canadian troupe that has adopted a Riverdance style stage spectacular to the service of fiddles and violins. Of course, the casual observer may find the fiddle and violin to be the same instrument, but don't tell the players. The stage show, in fact, is dedicated to a presumed musical combat between fiddlers and violinists. the winner will inevitably lie in the ears of the listener, depending on their stylistic preferences, since the only real difference is how the instrument is used, not what it is.

The young players in Barrage use their instruments in every way imaginable, and some that only a perverse imagination would conjure. Violin, for instance, as a percussion instrument. Fiddle as a dance partner. Each, and both, as acrobatic props. In the main, though, they use them to produce music with a good deal more flash and flair than even Paganini might have imagined.

There's no a good deal missed by listening to this music without seeing the accompanying spectacular, but the music, arranged and produced by Dean Marshall, stands fine on its own. The themes range from bluegrass to swing, from Celtic to symphonic, but there's a spirit underlying each style that is appealing, contemporary and theatrical.

Barrage are in the midst of a tour of the US (a European troupe is active overseas, as well) and they've recorded a special for PBS fund raising purposes that's bound to hit a pledge drive near you soon, so watch them when you get the chance. Meanwhile, they've served up some very fine listening material on this CD.

Track List:

Chopsticken * Old Joe Clark * Sing, Sing, Sing * Mountain Spring * Mahatma * What's Going On? * Row * Calypso Jam * Seven Wicked Reels * Spazz Jazz * The Ukraine * Paralyzed * Allen's Bar * Until We Meet Again * Joe's Favorite

© 2001 - Shaun Dale