Wonderful Collaboration
D. Leger | Seattle, WA United States | 05/13/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is a wonderful collaboration between Quebec and Ireland. Much of the instrumental repertoire of Quebec is based off of Irish and Scottish forms. This is due to their continuous proximity, first of Scottish soldiers and colonists, and later of Irish immigrants. Artists from both Ireland and Quebec have always respected and appreciated each other. Jean Carignan and Sharon Shannon are two examples that leap to mind of artists that have learnt and played tunes from the Irish and Quebec repertoires, respectively.
This wonderful connection is finally explored in this CD. Andre Marchand is currently the greatest name in Quebec music. He fronts and plays in many bands and is a great representative of his music. I know little about Grey Larsen, but he sure sounds like he's got the right touch! This CD combines traditional tunes from both cultures with originals written by both Marchand and Larsen and with Quebec folk songs. Instruments include flute, concertina, voice and guitar. The sound is gentle and playful and altogether beguiling. It is immediately accessible to anybody and I recommend it without reserve. The song Qui Me Passera le Bois is especially beautiful."
Cette musique est tres charmante.
Miles D. Moore | Alexandria, VA USA | 11/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In between his membership in Metamora and his current partnership with Paddy League, multi-instrumentalist folk master Grey Larsen teamed up with Quebecois singer-guitarist Andre Marchand to record The Orange Tree, a CD exploring the common bonds between Irish and French-Canadian music. The album is utterly charming, with Larsen's lovely performances on Irish flute, tin whistle and concertina making an excellent accompaniment to Marchand's cheerful vocals. The title track, with its vaguely medieval-sounding tune, is the standout, but every cut is emblematic of deep musical commitment and abundant skill. Also, you gotta love an album on which one performer's credits read, "Guitar, feet, vocals.""