From the traditional fiddle and violin, to the electric violin and exotic Chinese erhu, BOWFIRE will definitely change people's perspective of what a stringed instrument can do! The Canadian-based string performers known as Bowfire have been thrilling audiences worldwide since forming in 2000. Their first television special, BOWFIRE, offers the total string experience with a diverse blend of brilliant, award-winning string players. Recorded May 2007 at Centre in the Square in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, this sizzling concert captures the group's hit live show, taking public television viewers on an incredible journey that moves seamlessly from Jazz to Classical to Bluegrass to Celtic, to Rock and World styles, a performance with appeal that spans genres and generations. A thrilling combination of master musicians, dazzling choreography, soulful vocals, and breath-taking costumes and set design, every song ends with roaring applause and a standing ovation.
Creator and artistic director Lenny Solomon says, "I always wondered what would happen if you put the best fiddle and violin players from around the world into a musical melting pot. The idea has been around for years, but I didn't explore it fully until I was asked to create a show for the 2000 World Exposition in Hannover, Germany - and Bowfire was born." Lenny also plays jazz violin with the group and his wife, Wendy, plays cello.
Taped in high definition with multiple camera angles, this colorful, high-energy performance highlights each string player's specialized musical genre and begins with Bowfire's signature track "Fiddler in the Hood," filled with complex rhythms and shifting musical patterns. The show then moves flawlessly into the jazz number "Blue Moon & I Want To Be Happy" combining two classic songs in one violin, bass, guitar and piano arrangement; "Canty Medley" featuring a friendly fiddle competition and step dancing; "Galloping Horses" showcasing the melodic sound of the two-stringed bowed Chinese erhu; the world premiere of "The Line" with beautiful vocals; "Orange Blossom Special," one of the best known fiddle tunes of the twentieth century; and a grand-finale cover of Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir," performed like never before.
Performers (in alphabetical order):
Stephane Allard (Quebecois Jazz Violinist), Bill Bridges (Guitar), Stephanie Cadman (Celtic Fiddler), Shane Cook (Fiddler), Bogdan Djukic (Classical Virtuosos / Violinist), George Gao (Chinese erhu), Yi-Jia Susanne Hou (Violinist), Ray Legere (Bluegrass Fiddler), Lew Mele (Bass), Jon Pilatzke (Celtic Fiddler), Ben Riley (Drums), Bernie Senensky (Piano), Wendy Solomon (Cello), Lenny Solomon (Jazz Violinist/Founder/ Artistic Director), and Kelli Trottier (Celtic Fiddler).
Song List
"Fiddler in the Hood"
"Zigeunerweisen"
"Blue Moon & I Want to Be Happy"
Canty Medley
"Galloping Horses"
"The Line"
"Father Fugue"
Klezmer Medley
"Wooden Whale"
Sally Goodin Medley
"The Aire"
"Clumsy Lover"
"Orange Blossom Special"
"Kashmir"
A production of Artist Nation, a division of Live Nation, Bowfire Productions LLC and WLIW New York. Creator and Artistic Director: Lenny Solomon. Executive Producer: Barry Avrich.
To order related products for this program, go to SUPPORT 21.
Executive Producer for WLIW: Roy A Hammond. CC and ST.