05/07/2012
Stevan Vincendeau et Thomas Felder/Samajhima/PAKER Prod/2012
It has been 12 long years since Yann-Fañch Perroches and Fañch Landreau released the classic Daou ha Daou, a milestone recording of inspired Breton violin and accordion. I say long years because while other Breton artists have subsequently released fiddle-and-accordion recordings, unfortunately none of them have been particularly inspiring – pleasantly perfunctory at best. Daou ha Daou has remained in a class by itself, and those of us who wanted to hear more of the vibrant playing, complex, swinging arrangements and exquisitely soaring melody lines have remained hopeful that someone could fill the void left by these wonderful artists. Well, to get to the point, Samajhima is that recording, provided not by the original players but by two dynamic young musicians who more than ably fill the shoes of their predecessors.
It is no accident that violinist Thomas Felder lists Fañch Landreau as his primary musical influence on his Myspace page. The briefest listen to his sound demonstrates the connection very clearly. Felder is a very strong player who can fold his violin’s tones subtly into those of accordionist Stevan Vincendeau or break out with a lead melody line bursting with incredible power and aplomb. Vincendeau’s accordion work has a palpably nuanced, fine touch like Perroches, and his ability to rip through a fast melody line and pump out thrilling harmonic and rhythmic support is even more pronounced.
Like Perroches and Landreau, these two young musicians are so tightly locked-in rhythmically that every measure pulses with energy. Their music is inspired. Whereas a lesser player struggles to make it through a tune, and a competent one shows some individuality in their playing, these two use the tune as the springboard to leap off into seemingly effortless interaction and play of great complexity. Swapping leads, supporting each other’s parts in a constantly shifting tableau of melodic and harmonic movement, Samajhima is a dense and constantly intriguing musical discovery.
Unlike Daou ha Daou, much of Samajhima consists of original compositions and it is intended more for listening and less for dance. In a sense this is surprising since on their many uptempo pieces here, such as the introductory track Awen, the duo find a ferociously infectious groove and really drive it home. This is some of the most propulsive Breton music I have heard in some time, and they do not rely on an overblown ‘big band’ group to create this impetus, but on dynamic performance and exciting compositions.
Not only are these pieces original compositions, they are also very good. Some of the best material in the Breton genre, like that of many traditional genres, is the oldest; musical pieces that have stood the test of time while countless others have been winnowed away. These guys are writing new work that is of truly superlative quality, and in the world of Breton music that is saying a lot. I recently had the pleasure of seeing Vincendeau and Felder perform live, and was glad to hear them announce that they are working on a second recording, this one more “sauvage” and intended specifically for the dance. Since they already rock it so very hard, I am eager to hear what they come up with next. I just hope that it doesn’t take them 12 years to release it. This is a hot recording!
-Fañch
