Rating: 
Summary: Hooked-On Fiddle?
Review: The disturbing fad started in the 70's with "Hooked-On Classics," in which a producer would mix a disco beat and synths with classical music, continues to spawn it's revolting progeny in the form of Barrage. It's like going to a gourmet restaurant and dousing everything with ketchup. This beautiful fiddle music has been no less ruined than flatulence ruins an elevator ride.
Rating: 
Summary: Blown away!
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Hooked-On Fiddle?
Review: The talent of Barrage is amazing - the presentation is original. I hope to see more.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible!
Review: The talent of Barrage is amazing - the presentation is original. I hope to see more.
Rating:
Summary: BEYOND OUTSTANDING!!
Review: 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!!
Rating: 
Summary: Start dancing!
Review: What a fun DVD! Once you start playing it, you can't help but get up and dance. I love all the eclectic arragements for the violin. My personal favorite would have to be Sing Sing Sing. The music is fun and lively and you can see how much they love to perform and entertain. Their energy is very contagious. I would've given this five stars, my gripe was Denis Dufresne's play to the camera. Personally, I could've done w/o in-your-face camera work on him. All the other musicians were a lot more fun to watch than Denis. Fortunately, that's only a minor detail. I saw them live and was just amazed at their energy, enthusiasm, and talent. Nothing compares to a live performance, but the DVD will tie you over until they roll back into town! So, don't wait to get this DVD...run then start dancing!
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