Customer Reviews

Matapat

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Yesterday I heard Matapat for the first time at the Cotati (California) Accordion Festival. Of all the groups I heard, I was most impressed with Matapat - wonderful, highly musical playing. THeir music is traditional Quebecois folk-based music, featuring bass, accordion, spoons, violin, guitar, mandolin and feet. I watched in amazement as their accordion player, Benoit Borque, led off the first number by starting the song with a rhythmic heel/toe beat (with taps on the shoes) that he kept up throughout that song, and many others, while playing accordion and singing. I've never seen a musical group where the beat was kept with the feet like that. Benoit also came down off the stage to lead people in a traditional circle dance and later I heard someone say that was the first time at the Accordion Festival that someone came down off the stage into the audience to lead them in that kind of dancing.

Matapat sing in French, but fear not, if you don't know French. Their music is so rich, musical and inspired that it transcends language. It's rare that I take such an immediate liking to a new musical group, but Matapat wowed me enough to go backstage and say thanks to the musicians. I highly recommend the CD, which sounds as good as their live performances. In concert yestreday, that great sound was enhanced by their warm rapport with their audience.

The infectious quality of the music comes through beautifully on this CD. Strong bass lines, lively use of accordion, violin and feet! As other reviewers have stated, it doesn't matter if the listener understands French. The undertones of the lyrics transcend language (as any good song should). Matapat is a group one must experience live. But if that is not possible, then this CD is a welcomed substitute. A "must buy" for all those interested in traditional Quebec or North American folk music.

I discovered these guys when I got to see them live last Spring. Their playing is great...really a lot of fun! The energy that they have in performance really carries over onto their CD. It really has become one of my most favorite...I highly recommend it to anyone looking for some good, upbeat Quebecois music.

I bought this because I was looking for some good Quebecois music. These musicians are very good and the CD is good from start to finish. The whole family loves it and my 16 month old son often insists that we play the CD for him so he can dance. Every time I listen to it, I walk away humming a different tune of theirs. It is well worth having in your musical library and I highly recomend it to anyone interested in traditional Quebecois music.

I also found the liner notes, provided in both French and English, to be very interesting and useful for appreciating the music. Buy many copies of the CD and encourage these guys to make more.

If there is one thing that Matapat shows in their music, and their live performances, it's that you shouldn't be afraid to express yourself in music and dance! This CD will get you off your feet and dancing down the streets. With an excellent combination of vocals, accordion, guitar, and more, Matapat opens the door of intercultural experience. The music is heavily celtic, and amazing to listen to. I would highly recommend this, not only to people merely looking for good music, but also for students who are interested in learning more about Québec's culture and music. The songs teach a lot about the romantic culture inherited from the French, as well as some traditional Québec stories. Definitely a super selection!

Debut CD by an energetic trio with Acadian influences combines fiddle, bass, accordian, acoustic guitar, spoons and bones, with a clever addition of backbeat from step dancing. Even vocals and smooth harmonies, all in French, draw the listener to the emotion behind the music and story lines. In the tradition of other Celtic World music, the dynamic sounds and beat translate in any language to true "joie de vivre" regardless of the listener's primary language.

I first heard the band on NPR's Saturday Weekend Edition, and struggled to find the CD. Glad to see that it is more available now. The recording is French acoustic folk music, but has a contemporary feel. The lyrics are, of course, all French, but the liner notes (in French and English) clue you into the theme and history of each song. The songs are about 2/3 traditional, and 1/3 third composed by the artists. Also, check out other recordings on the same label, Borealis... They seem to have a good group of Canadian folk artists.

This cd always, always, always makes me smile. The tension and balance between melody and rhythm/percussion are perfect. I would recommend not only this cd, but also their new release "Petit Fou" to anybody interested in Quebecois music, or in traditional music in general.

This CD is from the original Matapat group - you can still find these band members performing under their own names or in other groups. Quebecois groups seem to change and morph into other groups fairly frequently.
This particular CD makes great listening, lively and deeply moving, with lovely melodies and rhythms.

Matapat is awesome! Bourque, Bernard, and LePage are excellent Quebecois singers, so it was great that the audio CD came to me unscathed. I listen to it almost every day!