Watch Ashley Macisaac - Live At The Rehearsal Hall

Ashley Macisaac - Live At The Rehearsal Hall is a captivating concert film that features the legendary Canadian fiddler Ashley Macisaac in full force, performing some of his most famous hits and lesser-known gems to an intimate audience. Filmed in 1997 at CBC Studios in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the concert showcases Macisaac's virtuosity and energy as he effortlessly switches between traditional Celtic tunes, modern rock and pop covers, and his own original compositions.

The film begins with a candid interview with Macisaac, who talks about his upbringing in Cape Breton, his early influences, and his unique style of fiddling that blends traditional Scottish and Irish music with rock and classical elements. He also shares some personal stories about his experiences on the road and his musical collaborations with artists like the Chieftains, Sting, and Johnny Reid.

After the interview, Macisaac takes the stage with his band, which includes Joel Chiasson on guitar, Ben Mink on keyboards and violin, and Kevin MacKenzie on percussion. They launch into an electrifying rendition of "Sleepy Maggie", Macisaac's breakthrough hit from his 1995 album Hi How Are You Today?, which combines a catchy Celtic reel with distorted guitar riffs and a driving beat. The crowd cheers and claps along, and Macisaac grins mischievously as he shows off his lightning-fast bowing and footwork.

Throughout the concert, Macisaac and his bandmates showcase their versatility and creativity by experimenting with different genres and arrangements while staying true to the roots of fiddle music. They play a haunting version of "Winged Creatures", a slow and soulful ballad from Macisaac's 1996 album Fine Thank You Very Much, which features Mink on violin and Chiasson on acoustic guitar. They also perform a medley of classic rock tunes, including Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" and Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water", which Macisaac transforms into high-energy jigs and reels.

One of the highlights of the concert is Macisaac's solo performance of "Devil in the Kitchen", a traditional Scottish tune that he learned from his grandfather. With only his fiddle and his stomping feet as accompaniment, he delivers a mesmerizing performance that showcases his technical skill and emotional depth. The camera zooms in on his face as he closes his eyes and loses himself in the music, and the audience remains silent until the final note fades away.

Another memorable moment comes when Macisaac invites a guest singer, Mary Jane Lamond, to join him on stage for a duet of "Sleepy Maggie". Lamond, a fellow Cape Bretoner and a renowned Gaelic singer, adds her ethereal voice to the mix, creating a haunting and magical atmosphere that transports the audience to the misty shores of Nova Scotia.

The concert ends with a rousing performance of "The Devil in the Kitchen Reprise", which sees Macisaac and his bandmates give it their all, jumping and spinning and trading solos as if they never want the night to end. The audience cheers and whistles as the band takes their final bows, and Macisaac thanks them for coming and supporting live music.

Overall, Ashley Macisaac - Live At The Rehearsal Hall is a must-see for anyone who loves fiddling, Celtic music, or just great music in general. It captures the essence of what makes Macisaac such a unique and beloved performer, and it reminds us why live concerts are such a special and irreplaceable experience.