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Gaining popularity in Europe and their native Canada, Barrage: The World on Stage showcases the versatile musical talents of eight young violinists, two guitarists/mandolin/bass players, and one drummer/percussionist. "The basic principle behind Barrage was to take as many different styles from around the world as we could get and kind of amalgamate them," says one troupe member. Created by Dean Marshall, who writes and arranges the group's songs, the music touches on Celtic, East Indian, big band swing, and American folk. This concert video, which also intersperses comments from the members, was filmed in Calgary in December 1999. Barrage is the latest entry in the multi-theatrical Stomp/Blast craze. Using violins as the binding element is daring and somewhat inspired, and the music is well-performed and very enjoyable to listen to, though Barrage doesn't always hit the heights it aspires to. Like fellow Canadians Leahy (the Celtic-focused family), Barrage members both fiddle and dance, but as singers and dancers, Barrage are excellent fiddle players. Barrage: The World on Stage has a lively charm, and as you find yourself tapping along to their enthusiastic performance, you can see why they are favorite performers at Epcot Center (where Barrage is billed as "The World's Hottest Fiddle Group"). The troupe members truly love and are dedicated to their instruments and delight in being a part of an alternative string performance. --Dana Van Nest
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