Customer Reviews

Kornog

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Kornog's albums were some of my favorites back in the 1980s and I have to admit that I was not initially impressed by "Korong" when I first heard it. I didn't hear the youthful exuberance I remembered from those days. However, by 3rd or 4th hearing, I'd realized that this is actually a much BETTER band today for the very reason that I missed the old energy. The band members have evolved musically to such a degree that each could easily be claimed to be the best at their respective instruments in Breton music. But it is much more than the sum of the parts; they truly have produced something brilliant TOGETHER. How sad so many "reunion" albums are (especially in the realm of rock). But this was actually a re-flowering of a group that was so well liked 15 years ago. Basically, Kornog has grown up. As for a "spark," well, no, they are not as high energy as they were back in the 1980s; they were younger then and relied more on that kind of energy in their shows. Today they rely simply on musical brilliance.

Korong perhaps presents a more "relaxed" form of music, but don't let that fool you. The precision and intelligence they've put into it more than makes up for any lack of energy some may have missed from their recordings from the 1980s. If one takes time to listen to (and to compare) the new work, one realizes an incredible new "spark" that comes from experience, evolution and intrepidness. The first cut, "Baleadenn," is a prime example. This musical "journey" from the far southeastern part of Brittany into the heart of Gavotte country is nothing short of brilliant. It may seem disjointed at first, switching rhythms at every turn (something never done in Breton dance music), but eventually one comes to understand the brilliance of these four minds that have come to grasp the essence of Breton music like no others.

And if you're interested in the new guitarist, Nicolas Kemener, listen to his work with Skeduz. He was great in Arcady, but underutilized. He is also a wonderful singer and flute player. Nicolas is VERY percice and very understanding of what other musicians are doing around him. Kornog could have had any guitarist in Brittany and they chose him; that should tell you something.

I bought this CD because I listen to a lot of other music Green Linnet puts out, like Lunasa and The Bothy Band. I actually hadn't even heard one song of this CD when I bought it.. just hoping. When I listened to the first track of the CD I knew I'd love it.. but as the tracks progressed I nearly fainted in euphoria. It's wonderful, easily one of my top 3 CD's of all time. I am a big fan of Celtic music, and I listen to a lot of it.. so I get disapointed when I order a CD that sounds exactly like every other CD I own, or that has tracks that have endless bagpipe solos that seem to melt my brain away. This is most definintely not one of those CDs. Its Celtic, but not Generic. Smooth, with just enough vocals, not too much. The guitar has to be the best sound on this CD though. It's magical and takes you off to another place. Absolutely recommended.

This is an awesome cd. My dad has it and convinced me to listen to it. I thought it would just be some old music but now I am adicted to celtic. This is a really up beat, happy track. so far I haven't found anything like it! If you are looking for celtic, you found it.