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Bourque, Bernard and LePage
Matapat - musique traditionelle du Quebec
$17.99

Benoit Bourque, Gaston Bernard, and Simon Lepage are three talented Québec musicians and dancers who whip up a storm with their infectious brand of French Canadian music. Veterans of groups like Eritage, Ad Vielle Que Pourra, and Ouzo Power, Bourque, Bernard, et Lepage are known across North America for their dynamic performances that combine French Canadian music and dance with Celtic, jazz, and world music influences. With Matapat, Bourque, Bernard, et Lepage let loose on fiddle, accordion, bass, vocals, mandolin, bones, spoons, and feet to create an exciting new album of tunes and songs.

BENOIT BOURQUE - accordion, SIMON LEPAGE - bass and other instruments
GASTON BERNARD - fiddle, guitar and mandolin, vocals

"Quebec Traditional Music" says the CD's subtitle. Well. Yes & no! MATAPAT approach it an infectious, joyful, inventive way that is anything but conventional. In mining their Quebecois traditions they see no reason to forsake their love of jazz, Greek, African and Indian rhythms." - Doug Spencer, The Planet, ABC Radio National, Australia.

The band says:
Their debut album was nominated for a Juno Award in 1998. Thanks to its inventive arrangements and superb musicianship, MATAPAT have created original music which bridges folk, funk, jazz, celtic and world music in a very appealing way. Moreover, continuous touring and airplay has spread their infectious music far and wide. African, Arabic, Indian, and celtic elements are combined with Quebec traditional folk music to create a unique "single cask" cross-cultural musical blend. While focusing on the roots of Quebec traditional music, MATAPAT explores new directions folk music is taking, as it incorporates influences from all over the world. The result: Boundaries are made to be broken.

The band's bio:
Montrealer, cosmopolitain in its spirit and its inspiration, passionate, versatile, and full-blooded, MATAPAT is a French Canadian folk music band echoing World's music traditions and its modern heritage. Urban, and cross-cultural, MATAPAT mirrors a city where people, cultures and traditions from around the world gather to create a home port for everybody.

A CROSS-CULTURAL MUSICAL BLEND .: While undeniably French Canadian, MATAPAT's music reflects influences from a diverse spectrum of musical traditions and cultures. Rooted in French Canadian music tradition, MATAPAT expends the soul and spirit of folk music in new and exciting directions. Its subtle arrangements and a kaleidoscope of styles ranging from Jazz, world-Celtic, R&B, to traditional folk music from Quebec, France, and Ireland, create a unique cross-cultural musical blend. The result? A captivating and powerful performance where engaging folk melodies and spirited African, Indian and Middle-East rhythms and tones combine to create a one of its kind musical reunion.

A UNIQUE SOUND .: Acclaimed for its fresh lyrics, gripping melodies, and captivating rhythms, MATAPAT has released two albums, both nominated for Juno Award, Canada's equivalent for a Grammy. The first one, titled "Matapat", bridges folk, funk, jazz, celtic and world music in a very appealing way. The second, "Petit fou", features well known flavors from Quebec, India, and Ireland, as well as cross-cultural fusions that blend East and West. As one said: "In mining their Quebecois traditions they see no reason to forsake their love of jazz, Greek, African and Indian rhythms." You bet.

AN INFECTIOUS ENERGY .: Described as "full-blooded", "passionate", "warm", and "intense", MATAPAT brings on stage and in the studio its irresistible groove as well as its passion for traditional folk music. Dynamic performers, Matapat's members share a common goal: To take the audience on a journey into the soul of French Canadian, using folk music as a base for innovation, fun and fusion. Upbeat rhythms and infectious melodies join together to deliver a cutting-edge multicultural experience where high octane jigs and reels ignite clapping, toe-tapping, and step dancing. The group's appearances include performances at major venues, such as the Lincoln Center, Peter Gabriel's Womad Festival, and the Smithsonian Institute, where MATAPAT's music is archived.