
| |||
Summertime in the BelgradesContentsfor Printing
Article Summaries |
Boréal Tordu: Music of Maine's Heritage
When the fiddle beat picks up or the words spin a story of songs learned from loving grandparents, the unique group Boréal Tordu brings to life the many influences of Maine's poignant past. There is humor and there is pathos in the music of their re-discovery of the Northeast region's rich musical traditions, but above all there is enthusiasm. Referring to their style as a French-American mélange, they represent both the cultures that have stamped themselves so picturesquely on the Maine that is such a popular destination today. Folk songs, ballads, Cajun Swing music and French fiddle tunes some traditional through the ages, some a heritage in the performers' families, and some original creations that have been inspired in their recognition of ancestral roots are part of Boréal Tordu's performance, as well as songs and dances from Quebec, the Maritime provinces, and Acadia.
"A fresh take on familiar ground," is how Boréal Tordu describe themselves, but for so many listeners this bringing to life of traditional Canadian, American and French music is altogether new, made particularly appealing by the love of what they are doing and the contagious beat of the music. Whether it's the lively fiddling of an Acadian tune by Steve Muise, the humorous refrain of "Quelle belle For more information about Boréal Tordu, visit its web site. | ||