French Canadian diatonic

[maugein96]

Member yffisch posted a clip of him playing a French Canadian tune, and the You Tube clip also showed a link to this guy.

Now I had heard this type of music before, but dont really know anything about it, and some of the accordions Ive heard are pretty sharp and harsh sounding in the recordings.

However, after listening to this fellow playing I have to admit that I had been missing out on a very pleasant music genre.

The tuning of his accordion and his playing style IMHO make for very pleasant listening. He makes it sound as though his accordion was made for this type of music.

It is possible (for me) to hear the connection with Cajun music. Ive read that the Cajuns originally moved to Louisiana from Canada, but havent researched that. The accordions are certainly similar.

If the music has any connections with France Id be interested to know from what region(s) that may be.

 

[AccordionUprising]

The most curious thing about the French Canadian and Louisiana Cajun accordion styles is that they developed totally separately. The accordion didnt arrive on either scene until 100 years after the expulsion that divided the people. Each tradition developed its own accordion technique and style independently, based on some shared French tradition, but with much more Irish influence in Quebec, and a huge influence of Black Creole players in Louisiana. Many other differences but thats a start.

Thus you get Nathan Abshire playing bluesy Cajun style:


And Eric Gagne playing instrumentally in Quebec with traditional foot percussion

 

[hais1273]

Splendid stuff. Right up my street. I never ceased to be amazed that some Quebecois musicians can play an instrument, in this case a melodeon AND beat out a rhtyhm with their feet AND sometimes sing as well. Well beyond my meager abilities.
The Quebecois band " Le Vent do Nord" will be playing at the Ropetackle Centre here in Sussex in August. Definatly, worth a look.

 

[maugein96]

The most curious thing about the French Canadian and Louisiana Cajun accordion styles is that they developed totally separately. The accordion didnt arrive on either scene until 100 years after the expulsion that divided the people. Each tradition developed its own accordion technique and style independently, based on some shared French tradition, but with much more Irish influence in Quebec, and a huge influence of Black Creole players in Louisiana. Many other differences but thats a start.

I guessed there was some sort of divide between the two styles, but the historical element was beyond my knowledge, although you can definitely hear the Irish influence in the Canadian reels.

I had actually posted that clip of Eric Gagne with the footwork on yffischs OP. Id never seen anything like it.

What was different about the player in my OP was the refinement in his playing. Im used to hearing rather rough and ready stuff on that type of accordion (OK melodeon, but they call them accordeons), and that made a pleasant change. I do like Cajun music, but would have to say that I prefer that Quebec style.

There is a Scottish influenced Canadian Cape Breton style, but on the very few occasions Ive listened to it, its never really captivated my interest. Im probably more orientated towards instrumental music, but each to their own.

 

[AccordionUprising]

See also the new thread on Quebecois genius Philippe Bruneaus new archive/website:
https://www.accordionists.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6892#p61167

La jeunesse de Philippe Bruneau
(The Genius of Philippe Bruneau)
http://bruneau.mnemo.qc.ca
http://bruneau.mnemo.qc.ca/images/2005_Bruneau_StChartier.jpg>

 

[Anyanka]

The Quebecois band Le Vent do Nord will be playing at the Ropetackle Centre here in Sussex in August. Definatly, worth a look.

Ill second that! Vent du Nord are my favourite French-Canadian band; superb musicians and particularly brilliant live.

 

[maugein96]

Blast!

I lived in Brighton and Lewes from 1976 until 1979. If I'd known they were coming I wouldn't have moved back to Scotland!