Celtic Brittany

Liner Note Author: Jean Foucher.
Translator: Diz Heller.
To those removed from it, the Celtic culture and its music invariably conjure up predictable images of lush green Irish landscapes, highland bagpipes, and the like. Scotland and Ireland are but two countries influenced profoundly by the Celts. The Celtic Brittany compilation is a reminder of the rich Celtic heritage found in that region of France. Some uniquely French instruments like the biniou (small panpipe) and bombarde (oboe-like) differ vastly from those most common in the neighboring U.K. Celtic tradition, while others like the harp, fiddle, accordion, pipes, and whistles are essential to both regions. A full range of music is represented here, such as the Andreas Vollenweider-meets-Alan Holdsworth sound of Bleizi Ruz, the pipes and military snares of La Bagad du Moulin Vert, and the folk songs of the great French maritime tradition by Tonnerre de Brest and Y. Etienne. Gwendal, one of the oldest of the Celtic-based French rock bands, delivers a sound similar to Capercaillie. The most familiar name here is that of Dan Ar Bras (who has Capercaillie and Fairport Convention ties) of the grandiose "l'Heritage des Celtes" fame. His romantic "Quand la ville dort" appropriately concludes this album. Any fan of the variety of Celtic music styles is almost certain to find a few songs from this collection that will appeal to them. ~ Dave Sleger