An Naer
An Naer is a label that describes itself not as makers of Breton music, but as producers of music made in Brittany; it is a significant detail. This is music that while born of a local culture is determined to be its own master, its own creation, mindful of history but not beholden to it. In a world full of music (jazz, folk, avant garde, classical), why should a musician be bound by the geography of home in order to produce music that is still labeled as "home made?"
This small catalog of recordings embraces it all, mixes it up, and comes down squarely in the realm of new creative endeavor. Some of it will sound familiar to fans of the folk music of Brittany, some of it will rattle your cage, all of it will please the senses and challenge the spirit.
These recordings are beautifully packages in a larger format, hard-bound booklet with elegant illustrations and photographs. Most have notes in French, Breton and English. All are excellent recordings, artistically and technically. They are slightly higher in price than many CDs, but their excellent presentation justifies this, I think.
Click on the images or titles below to read more about the artists and to hear some samples of the music.
Nebaon! - Bugel Koar
$18.99
(cdRoots# annaer-802)
Marthe Vassalo's wonderful voice and Philippe Ollivier's unconventional bandoneon and accordions return for the second recording, joined by bass, drums, a touch of brass and flute to create new Breton music of completely original design. There are contemporary songs that come from centuries of imagination, and traditional ones that tell you an old story.
Eured an Diaoul - Bernez Tangui
$18.99
(cdRoots# annaer-501)
He calls it Breton rhythm'n'blues, but I don't know how you might really classify this music... all the better, I think. The poetry is important, but the delivery is the real message here, as Tangui twists and turns his phrasing around a complex ensemble of piano, percussion, guitars, flutes, bagpipes and more.
En concert que c'est - BD Swing Orchestra
$19.99
(cdRoots# annaer-801)
The BD Swing Orchestra has created a dynamic, explosive and festive sound through its distinctively youthful, open and convivial approach to traditional Breton music. 15 young musicians from the Trégor in Brittany merge their love of traditional music with their talent for revitalising it, plus a fair dose of good humour to create new music, from the past, but of its time.
an Eured - Daniel le Noan and Alain Micel
$18.99
(cdRoots# annaer-eured)
Here is the pace and rhythm of an crazy day, a wedding in central Brittany. In the morning, the two families measure each other up, reserved. Then comes the the sounds of the rite and the priest... At the precise time the bell ringers entone their calling, jubilation comes forth, the match approved. Then comes the union and dance, songs and laughter follow one another. Daniel le Noan (bombard), Alain Michel (biniou - breton bagpipes) and their friends have attempted to recreate the sound of the wedding. An Eured will plunge you into the heart of an old tradition, as if you had received your very own invitation.
Dibenn - Dibenn
$temp out of stock
(cdRoots# annaer-101)
8 of Brittany's finest musicians come together to take the vocal tradtional of the region into new realms.
An deiziou zo berr - Loened Fall
$ temp out of stock
(cdRoots# annaer-202)
Traditional singing style accompanies the dances of Central Brittany (Kan ha Diskan) with guitar, fiddle and bombarde. A true modern fest noz, recorded live and featuring the voice of Marthe Vassalo.
Clarinettes Armorigènes - Michel Aumont
$temp out of stock-18.99
(cdRoots# annaer-301)
A remarkable solo effort by this Breton clarinetist, offering solo and multi-tracked clarinets. His unique, often percussive playing is mind-bending, and his sometomes 'prepared' and altered instruments often give the instrument completely unreal sounds.
Spontus - Spontus
$temp out of stock (18.99)
(cdRoots# annaer-401)
Traditional and newly composed music from Brittany in the 'fest noz' style, played with youthful exhuberance by de Erwan Berenguer (guitare), Pascal Kermorvant (bombarde), Ronan Le Bozec (biniou koz), Yann Le Bozec (contrebasse), Alan Paranthoen (violon) et Youen Paranthoen (accordeon).
Beo! - Jean-michel Veillon and Yvon Riou
$temp out of stock
(cdRoots# annaer-402)
Music for guitar and flute, bridging the Breton and the Celtic in beautiful and creative style
Kornog IV - Kornog
$temp out of stock-18.99
(cdRoots# annaer-404)
The 4th recording by this important Breton-Celtic band, recorded just before they disbanded, but not released until 2001.
Encounter - Kej
$temp out of stock-18.99
(cdRoots# annaer-502)
From Quimper, Brittany, this trio of flute, guitar and bass mix Breton tradition with jazz and contemporary art music
a c'hoant - Darhaou
$temp out of stock-18.99
(cdRoots# annaer-601)
Quintet from Brittany composed of clarinet, saxophone, bombard, wooden flute, guitar, bass and accordion create a solid breton dance music
Gouez - À l'état sauvage - Loened Fall
$temp out of stock-18.99
(cdRoots# annaer-gouez)
Another superb recording by a great Breton band. Their 1999 record has been a steady favorite around here, and this one surpasses expectations, offering a vibrant, rough-hewn vision of Breton folk music in the new century, played out on bombarde, voices, guitar and violin.
