Le Vent du Nord 6/9/2017

We like the Borough Theatre in Abergavenny - it's small and friendly and not too far away so we chanced upon this gig on spec. A French-Canadian band based on traditional Quebec folk - another aspect of the Celtic genre really. They were excellent with a distinctive line-up strongly featuring the Hurdy-Gurdy, the first time I have heard one played live. Fiddle, accordian, bazouki, guitar, bass and keyboards made up the instruments played by the four band members with percusssion provided by foot stamping on miked up boards. They all sang - sometimes acapello as in their Iriqouis song after making the point that French Canadians were dismissive of the 150 year independence celebrations as it should have been about 500 years but then the natives might think even that a little previous....... Their music was trooted in the traditional but felt fresh and modern as well. Each was an accomplished musician, they clearly were very tight as a band after fifteen years on the road and their voices melded very well. Another good night at the Borough Theatre.