In terms of reference points, Le Vent Du Nord’s most recent album offers some reminders of the music of Alan Stivell, though Breton music is just one of the influences that percolate through their Gallic repertoire. It should be said, however, that in the course of their illustrious career to date, the band has indeed worked with another revered Breton musical adventurer, Yann-Fañch Kemener.
The band has also collaborated with The Chieftains, and you can certainly discern Irish influences. However, the primary source is naturally the outfit’s own Quebecois tradition. Since they got together in 2002, the band has wowed audiences in a total of 1,400 sell-out concerts throughout Europe and North America. Indeed they made a great impression on Irish audiences in the course of a series of dates around this country in recent months.
Counter-singing and harmony swell tracks such as the uplifting Loup-Garou, Le Rosier and Confédération. Têtu may be a studio album, but given its sense of commitment to passionate performance, it manages on every track to suggest the visceral power that their concerts clearly generate. Traditional ballads with serious or rueful intent, such as the lively opener Noce Tragique (‘tragic wedding’) tend to be the stock in trade. Le Rosier is introduced with this enigmatic note: “a military man would rather be ruled a deserter than not seek the truth and see his loved one again.” The liner booklet includes all lyrics in French, surely a good thing.
The band members are Simone Beaudry on vocals, guitar, bouzouki, Nicolas Bolerice on vocals and vielle à roue or hurdy gurdy, and caisse-claire, better known to us as the piccolo. Rejean Brunet handles bass, accordion and that great high-pitched pipe instrument, the bombard. Olivier Demers plays the violin, guitar and supplies the feet you hear gallumping neatly – or should that be dancing? - throughout much of the record. Indeed Demers' foot percussion aids and abet lively fiddle, accordion and jew's harp on the wonderful instrumental Cardeuse – Riopel. In short, Le Vent Du Nord do Quebec proud. leventdunord.com
Paddy Kehoe
