Pulse: a Stomp Odyssey

As an experienced teacher, I found this presentation, in spite of its length, capable of engaging and holding the attention of children and adolescents of a considerable range of ages. It truly opens a window to the world!

The musicians act alone, or in bands. A variety of musical instruments are shown. There are drums almost as big as a man. A woman has an instrument that is whirled above her head on a rope. One scene shows her doing this on the roof of a building in a city, while another shows the natives' use of it at the top of a hill or mountain.

For some musicians, their bodies alone are the musical instruments. There is a man who makes an amazing variety of sounds with just his mouth and voice. There is also a woman who stomps out a beat in tap dancing.

The sharp-eyed Chicagoan will notice brief glimpses of railway cars of the type used in Chicago subways. If these kinds are largely limited to Chicago, then the photography must likely have been partly done in this city.

Every music classroom must have this fantastic journey through world music. Don't miss the High-Step versus Core battle on London Bridge!

I've been a stomp fan for lots of years, I've seen them onstage, have their previous dvds and have to admit that was really excited when I heard about this new dvd coming out. But after watching it I felt somehow disappointed... The dvd is ok, but isn't half as great as the others. Anyhow, it is a nice point of view to other culture's music. I would recommend it if that's what you want, not if you expect the new "brooms".

Loved "Stomp Out Loud" and this is an excellent example of where they got a lot of their ideas. Anyone who likes to glimpse other cultures and the music thereof will enjoy the groups presented and the additional Stomp clips. Thoroughly enjoyed the entire "Odyssey." Waiting for more :)

Saw this film via IMAX at the Museum of Natural History in New York City. Loved it and wanted the DVD that very day. Not available. Finally is. Not quite the same overwhelming experience, but a lovely souvenir. Suspect I would love the film even had I not seen it on the big screen.