Springfield Symphony Hall, Springfield, MA
February 28, 2013
By R.E. Smith
BOWFIRE presents a lineup of fiddle and violin virtuosos who
combine various musical styles with step dancing and voice to create a unique
theatrical experience.
While Lenny Soloman may be the creator, artistic director,
and a performer in BOWFIRE, the show is no vanity project simply designed to display
his own talents. According to Soloman, the attitude among the cast is really “
. . .one big mutual admiration society. All the performers are first class
soloists and headliners in their own right (and genres).”
It might seem difficult to integrate the disparate styles of
a jazz violinist and a Klezmer virtuoso, but the Canadian native says the show
eases that transition by, “ . . .using ensemble pieces as a bridge between the
solos”. The result is a “new direction in string performances because we are
combining styles (but) all with a core of the same instrument. It makes for an
exhilarating experience.”
The act of “blending styles” produces such numbers as
“Fiddler on the Hood” that fuses a Celtic melody with a hip hop rhythm. “We’re
very open minded about material and inspiration can come from very curious
places.” He recounts how Sean Connery was such a fan that the actor’s son asked
the group to perform for the actor’s 80th birthday. “Our guitarist created an all
violin arrangement of the 007 theme song for us . . .and Connery got up and
started to dance.” Such arrangements (heard on the group’s newest CD, NEW FLAME),
Soloman says, demonstrates that they “ . . .are always moving forward. ”
The jazz violinist hopes this “musical journey” inspires the
audience as much as it does the performers, who educate and influence each
other during the creative process. “The show is always expanding and changing.”
he explains,” "Everyone is always thinking of new material.” While the
cast changes a little from time to time, the core group remains, making for
performances that are “ . . .are real showstoppers. Rest assured, the show is
action packed.”
Aside from the satisfaction of working with the best players
in their field, or the thrill of meeting movie legends, Soloman is just as
elated by the “letters parents write to us, saying how after seeing our show,
their children were inspired to return to their practice rooms (with renewed
purpose). “
Rest assured that under BOWFIRE’s stewardship, future string
players will continue to entertain while “pushing the violin envelope.”
BOWFIRE comes to the Springfield Symphony Hall, for one performance only on Thursday, February 28, 2013
