Customer Reviews

Irish Jig

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4 star:		(1)
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Gwendal was one of many Breton folk and folk-rock ensembles to emerge in the 70's. Taking the cue from folks like Alan Stivell, Dar Ar Braz, and Gabriel, they delved into the folk music traditions of Brittany (and to a lesser degree, France and Ireland) and played a spirited music that fused together folk and rock. This album, their debut, is almost wholly in the folk vein, both in terms of stylings and instrumentation. The brilliant Celtic rock that they would later play on albums like _Les Mouettes Se Battent_ is not present here. Still, it a fine folk album as it is, and even those who prefer the band's later material ought to find a lot to enjoy here: oustanding muscianship, beautiful folksy melodies and rhythms. In short, if you're looking to check out the band's folksier side, this is the one to get. On the other hand, if you're more interested in Gwendal's rockier, more progressive style, this might not be the best album to start with.

Initially started up in the 70's out of Breton in France on the EMI Pathe`label. Their first three releases were all relatively similar but nonetheless of a very high quality. Irish Jig was part of this group judging from the cover, although the vinyl did not have this title the cover is identical, my conclusion is, it is the same recording on cd. These lads repesented some of the best musicianship in the genre. Authentic jigs and reels; good articulation at rapid tempos, lots of upbeat material and very accomplished. They were a contradiction in terms playing a centuries old music 20 years before it's time had come to be trendy. They have modernized their sound since this era but are still quite interesting and enjoyable to listen to.

Gwendal is French, and they mixture irish, celtic and bretan music in a way that no one does. Their music gets into you and flow inside your mind. It's just wonderful. One of the best groups ever!!! Irish Jig and Planxty-Birk, are the best songs in this album, but the others are also great. Perfect, perfect and perfect.