Search - Tri Yann :: Veillee Du 3'Emme Millenaire

On the eve of the third millennium........

Merriweather | Chicago | 05/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is actually a documentary about this long-running Breton group, divided into 10 segments and including some of their more celebrated titles, as performed live in 1997.
On the positive side, it gives some interesting insights into the evolution of the group, which began as a trio of amateur Celtic musicians, strictly acoustic, and eventually became the dynamic and highly successful group of seven (currently eight) professionals who average over 80 live concerts a year. It takes us along to a concert engagement--an open-air performance on the beach for 5000--and the musicians discuss the various challenges involved (including a violent rainstorm!) as well Breton culture, the personal approach they take to their music,and how it will be regarded in the next millennium, even offering tips for dining on the road. Interspersed with the dialogue are some of their best songs, recorded live (definitely the best way to hear them!): "Kann ar Kann", "Anne de Bretagne", "Les 90 Macons", "Le Soleil Est Noir", and, of course, "La Jument de Michao".
The down side is, of course, that the album is in French, which is understandable (they are, after all, a French group, performing largely in France), but disappointing to non-Francophones. Still, most of the music on the album--and then some--is also available on another album, "Tri Yann En Concert Live", without the dialogue.
For Tri Yann fans who understand French, I would give this album a five-star rating. For all others, I would recommend bypassing it in favor of one of their many great music albums."