An eclectic tapestry of sound and place, this album weaves a musical journey across the North American continent - from the icebergs of Newfoundland, through the folkways of Québec, from the shores of Lake Huron to the high rocky slopes of British Columbia. It also casts a backward glance at the Old World. The moving air Tanera Mór, a reminder of love and spiritual marriage, is set in Highland Scotland, while Dobres Swing, featuring gypsy guitar and fiddle, recalls the glory days of the Hot Club de France fronted by Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt in the 1930s. Strings, reeds, woodwinds, keys and brass all conspire to lead the listener through an enchanting odyssey - revealing the rhythmical joy of Reel Carrefour, the ‘crooked’ cadences of Berthier-sur-Mer, the energetic swing of Slap Happy and many more aesthetic wonders along the way. Even the imaginary Hooga makes an appearance in Pierre’s new curvilinear reel Hooga’s Here - no doubt tutored on jovial mischief by Kyran to whose world he belongs. Timeless and yet very much of its own time, this album is a trésor musical in every sense".

 

Dr. Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin, MBA, Ph.D.

Smurfit Stone Professor of Irish Studies / Professor of Music

Center for International Studies, University of Missouri-St. Louis