"Folkies, eh - what are we like?" Even now there are still those who associate the term folk music with something staid, moribund, old fashioned. Maybe they need to see Le Vent du Nord, who blend traditional Quebecois tunes and techniques with modern instrumentation and arrangements. And explode with life - this is a band that connects with it's audience the moment it walks out on stage.
Plug electric keyboard and bass into the mix of traditional instruments - fiddles, accordion, guitar and mandolin, jew's harp and the wonderful hurdy-gurdy. Then add the Quebecois tradition of podorythmie, where the feet beat out complex rhythms, and five fine harmonising voices, including a triple choice of lead vocalist. That's Le Vent du Nord. Most of the songs are old, with a few modern additions to the canon, but the presentation is bang up to date, and almost theatrical at times.
The set list was heavy on tracks form the recent album, 20 Printemps, celebrating their two decades as a band. Audience participation is encouraged. It's hard to pick out highlights, but Ma Louise swings from joyous to heart wrenching, even if you understand little of the lyrics, and the mouth music of Turlutte du Mai, where two pairs of percussive shoes accompany an acapella rendition, makes you wonder how such rich harmonies can spring from only five voices, like a mini male voice choir. Then there was the comedy turn of the drinking song L'Auberge, where four drunks surround soloist Simon Beaudry and sway in formation around him. Or the podorythmie 'duel' between the two fiddlers. Meanwhile the music accepts influences from jazz and classical and pop genres, featuring dazzling solos from all the band members.
The gig ends with the audience on their feet, dancing and whooping, and grins on every face. A good time guaranteed.
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