Bowfire a go, go, go, go

Last night was the opening night of the Concert’s Association’s run of Bowfire. A dozen extremely talented musicians took the stage at Woodlands Auditorium for the first of many nights to remember.

By intermission I was exhausted by just watching the high-energy performances by the dozen. Lenny Solomon, creator and musical director of Bowfire as well as jazz violinist extraordinaire has put together a highly entertaining show. The performers are multi-talented. In addition to being virtuoso fiddlers, the troupe stepdances and sings. There is never more than a few seconds between numbers. The show flows right along.

I preferred Solomon’s virtuosity on the acoustic violin. I am not a huge fan of the synthesized violin. That does not mean he didn’t do a good job, I just prefer the pure fiddle sound. The same thing goes for the bass, acoustic good, synthesized, not so much.

Each violinist had personality plus and didn’t hesitate to shine. Linsey Beckett the petite blond with long tresses fiddled, sang and stepdanced her way into our hearts. Long-haired brunette Stephanie Cadman fiddled and stepdanced around every inch of the stage, an endless font of energy. Often, Cadman and Beckett stepdanced in tandem. Lynae Dufrense, short-haired blond fiddled and showed off her lovely full alto voice in two numbers. Her rendition of Tennessee Waltz was a show-stopper because of its beauty. The last female in the ensemble is the cellist Wendy Solomon. She exudes personality and plays with her heart in her bow.

The men violinists included Bluegrass fiddler Ray Legere. Legere also demonstrated his mastery of the mandolin in several numbers. The effervescent Bodgan Djukic channeled his Slavic roots to bring a haunting sound to the Klezmer Medley. The handsome Shane Cook showed diversity in his fiddling playing several styles with ease and finesse.

The rest of the band was clearly as talented as the visual violinists but tended to stay in their assigned places on stage. Bill Bridges played the heck out of his guitar. His finger-picking was wonderful. Drummer Roger Travassos kept the show moving and in time. Jazz pianist Bernie Senensky was able to show his humor and talent. And finally, the great bass player Lew Mele rounded out the group.

Bowfire is based out of Canada. The group appeared at the Woodlands for the first time in the 2005/2006 Concerts Association season. Members in the audience that had seen both shows said this one was even better than the first time around. The addition of the beautiful and multi-talented young women was a big hit.

My only hesitation in seeing Bowfire again is that I need to rest up before I have the energy to watch them go, go, go, go. A dozen energizer bunnies working independently and together.

Next season there is also much to look forward to, in September the program is the Dallas Brass, for October, Almost Elton John, November brings Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack, February hosts Irish Sopranos and the season will conclude in March with Hotel California. Sounds like more fun. Renewals go out any day now.