Le Vent du Nord

Maudite Moisson [damned good harvest] (Borealis, 2003)

Quebecois musician and dancer Benoit Bourque (Matapat) brought the traditional group Le Vent du Nord to my attention recently and as luck would have it, this charming quartet will be showcased at the 26th Annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Le Vent du Nord (The North Wind) features Benoit on accordion, bones, mandolin, response vocals and step dancing, yet he represents only 1/4 of this sprightly group. Originally formed by Pianist Nicolas Boulerice (piano, hurdy-gurdy and lead vocals) and accomplished violinist Olivier Demers (fiddle, guitar and vocals), Benoit and Guitarist Bernard Simard (formerly of La Bottine Souriante) joined this Quebecois all-star quartet.

Recorded last December, the quartet's debut CD, Maudite Moisson was recently released in Canada thus giving Canadians another reason to celebrate the country's diverse musical traditions.

The four artists featured on this recording are all well traveled and versed in traditional French language music from Quebec and Brittany. Various tracks such as, Les trois freres Roy, Le moine complaisant and Chanson d' Hortense/Gigue des militaires were passed down to Nicolas through his various ancestors. Other songs such as Riton/ C'est dans Paris or Au bord de la fontaine are traditional songs arranged by members of the La Vent. While others, Grand-Pit/ Reel a deux tetes, Valse pour une fee and Petit reve II are original compositions. However, the songs here flow seamlessly into one another and blend historical monuments with a contemporary renditions. You will not find programming or electronic instruments on this recording which further proves that acoustic instruments still have the ability to excite the senses. The rhythms created here of the toe tapping variety induce listeners to get up and dance. And the love songs, old fashion in the traditional sense, also delight ears hungry for musical sustenance. Fiddles dance with melodies played out on accordions, hurdy-gurdy, guitar and effervescent piano. And all four musicians chip in vocals that run the gamut from sensual to sublime.

Fans of Matapat, La Bottine Souriante and other neo-traditional Quebecois groups would do well to add this recording to their collection. When many people think of Quebec, they conjure up images of the Separatists Movement, Pierre Trudeau or horses and wagons trudging through snow and yet, Quebec harbors a wonderful musical tradition that mirrors traditional music from Brittany and Cajun music from New Orleans. It's a music akin to celebrations, Quebecois kitchen parties, love, romance and storytelling. Le Vent du Nord's Maudite Moisson (damned good harvest) reaps the rewards of effort, talent and a nod to tradition.

(compliments of Cranky Crow World Music).