The Whole Music Experience

Genticorum La Bibournoise Mad River Records Traditional Quebecois music first came to my attention when I saw a Quebecois ensemble perform at the university I was attending. The second time, Quebecois captured my attention was when I watched the Quebecois classic film, My Uncle Antoine by Claude Jutra. A scene that took place in the country store, where most of the film’s action also took place, the town’s people kick up their heels to folksy Quebecois music. This musical tradition revisited me at WOMAD USA in 2001, when the original lineup of Matapat performed and gave a demonstration of the traditional instruments and step dancing that makes up this French-language music. What’s not to love about this lively musical fare that combines humor, pathos, passionate fiddles, lyrical passages and rhythms played out on feet? This is one tradition that shows no signs of dying, unlike many folk traditions around the world. I have already heard numerous recordings by Quebecois lumina