Spurred by a question asked by Jovan in this thread - have you ever heard of Harmonium (the band)? If so, did you hear of them because of some connection to Québec? (You live there, used to live there, have relatives there, no connection at all, etc.)
My guess is that they are virtually unknown outside of Québec, but I’m also hoping that I’m wrong. Along with Beau Dommage and La Bottine Souriante, they have produced some truly fine music that is worth listening to, whether or not you speak any French. (That’s an enthusiastic recommendation and not intended to be an obligation. )
I know from growing up in Manitoba that I heard of them through some of my Franco-Manitobain friends, but I never got much chance to listen to them on my own until I sought out the albums and bought them.
One of my favorite bands. Last summer, I saw Gregory Charles, Dan Bigras and about seventy musicians play most of the first album and all of L’Heptade live. Would’ve been better with Fiori, of course, but pretty impressive nonetheless.
Like most anglos, however, I only know of them through efforts to learn French. I’ve never run into any non-Quebecer who’s heard of the band other than through a French course. Sad. For my money, the first album is near flawless. Lyrics are a touch simple, but other than that…
Yes of course but being a “Québécoise” makes it a little obvious huh?
I grew up on listening to them and Beau Dommage and Octobre and Offenbach… If one is willing to not understand the lyrics, they can discover quite a lot of good artist from around here!
I’ve been listening to them off and on for about two days now, ever since some guy mentioned them on a message board. I’m quite enjoying them, despite not understanding a single word so far.
As a matter of fact, the live version of L’Heptade was recorded in Vancouver BC (probably during the same tour).
Since you like Harmonium, Monsieur le Ministre, you should check this other album : 200 nuits a l’heure from Serge Fiori and Richard Séguin, if you can find it, it seems to be out of print at the moment.
As for Harmonium, I know them since the 70s (when they were part of the Quebec musical Renaissance). However, it got to the point where I got sick and tired of listening to them, since every other song on the radio was by them. Don’t get me wrong, I like them, but I burned out at the time.
)