1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Wild Cape Breton Fiddler in an intimate setting!, Mar 3 2007
By Steven I. Ramm "Steve Ramm "Anything Phon... - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Macisaac;Ashley Live at the Re (DVD)
Ashley MacIsaac is the antithesis of Natalie MacMaster, his fellow Cape Breton fiddler. Though aurally they don't sound that much different when playing the fiddle, MacIsaac is often backed by a rock band with keyboards, sax, electric guitar and drums. And visually he's in a whole different world of tattoos and weird things (as you will see on the three bonus music videos, including Sleepy Maggie with the haunting Mary Jane Lamond on vocals).
But the bulk of this DVD is a 45-minute TV show recorded in 2002 in Toronto for the Canadian Bravo network. It in a small intimate studio and everything is done in one take. It's a powerful performance.
What cuts my rating down from 5 to 4 stars is that the show contains questions from, not only the show's host, but from members of the audience. This slows down the show and you won't want these shown on repeated viewings.
For fans of MacIsaac, this is a more intimate portrait of him and he does do one solo number. For those new to his playing - much of it learned from MacMaster's dad, Buddy - it's a fine introduction!
Steve Ramm "Anything Phonographic"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ashley MacIsaac-Live at the Rehearsal Hall, Mar 2 2009
By Sandra J. Romig "Bead Animal" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Macisaac;Ashley Live at the Re (DVD)
Ashley MacIsaac is an excellent entertainer. It is always a joy to see him. Ashley continually kindles his own creative fire. He forgets the audience and plays his own ecstatic music. He is inspirational to us that never wanted to play a violin...but got one anyway. Weee wanted to plaaaay the Fiddle.