The Whole Music Experience

I'm in a winter music mood so for the final video round-up, I'm featuring traditional musical acts from Quebec.  This will keep you warm and toasty.  Don't pour too much maple syrup on this music. 1. Le Vent du Nord, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuMwisT_5PU 2. Matapat, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-ovBXgaBYI  (an ad for an album) 3. Genticorum, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFDh68Rjkz4 4.  La Volee d' Castors (Flying Beavers), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y14WcUksncA 5. Les Tireux d' Roches, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ozi73nb_0U If you type in "Traditional Quebecois Music" in the YouTube search, many videos will come up, from the old music to the more contemporary sound.

Le Vent du Nord Tromper Le Temps Borealis Records Hailing from Quebec, Le Vent du Nord also performed at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival in 2003, as part of a celebration of traditional Quebecois music.   I interviewed the quartet, who at the time had a different line-up than the band has today.   Six albums and ten years later, Le Vent du Nord (the north wind) still rallies on, fired by founding members Nicolas Boulerice (hurdy-gurdy, piano, voice), Olivier Demers (violin/fiddle, feet, mandolin, electric guitar, voice), and Simon Beaudry (guitar, voice, bouzouki) and Réjean Brunet (accordion, bass, piano, jaw harp and voice).   Even when these musicians sing sober lyrics, you still feel like you have been invited to a soirée. Take a listen to the rousing opener Lettre À Durham , in which the singers address the 19th century English diplomat who inspired the Union Act bringing Lower and Upper Canada together, despite the Quebecois wishes.  ...

Le Vent Du Nord La Part Du Feu Borealis Records Chuck and Albert Ènergie Independent release (Canada) For those of us that reside in the northern hemisphere with emphasis on northern, it’s time to gather near the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate or cider in your hands. And for those of you suffering from cold toes, place some traditional Quebecois music in your player and get your feet tapping. Two new releases, La Part Due Feu (the fourth studio recording by Le Vent Du Nord) and the appropriately titled Ènergie (Chuck & Albert from Prince Edward Island) ought to do the trick. I fell in love with traditional Quebecois music years ago and my collection has grown and I hope my knowledge of this music has grown as well. Le Vent Du Nord came to my attention during the summer of 2003 when an early incarnation of the quartet performed at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Step dancing, fiddle, hurdy-gurdy, guitar and hearty vocals were ...

Le Vent du Nord Dans les airs Borealis Records The traditional Quebecois group, Le Vent du Nord's third album, Dans les airs also features the group's third incarnation. The departure of Benoit Bourque feels missed here. But his replacement, Rejean Brunet, formerly of the Flying Beavers group, provides a new dimension. Besides, bringing his accordion on board, he also contributed acoustic bass and piano to this recording. Nicolas Boulerice took on a stronger role on this third time out, by contributing vocal duties on many of the tracks. But violinist Olivier Demers, the other remaining founding member along with Nicolas, handled most of the songwriting duties. Despite a revolving door of band members since the debut recording, La Vent du Nord's fare seem tighter than ever and the playing more mature. The traditional fare of songs about drinking, falling in love with sweethearts or losing at the game of love, fills up most of this disc. We are also informed abou...