Flute players planning to attend the National Folk Festival in Canberra over Easter should keep a lookout for the Québécois band, Genticorum. I’ve had the pleasure of their company twice this week (unfortunately, I won’t be making it up to the National). Fascinating to hear how our style of flute translates into Québécois. Frightening to see such fluency in Bb.
The flute player is Alex (or Alexandre de Grosbois-Garand if you want to be formal!). You’ll find him fun to be with.
I’m dissapointed that this is slipping down the page without a discussion. Hearing Genticorum live 3 years back was one of the things that tipped me in favour of getting wooden flute. How does Alex’s style and technique differ from a ‘traditional irish style’ ? If I listen to their CD’s and allow that to influence the way my playing develops will I be unknowingly drifting in what some might regard as a ‘wrong’ direction. Not that I care much, I’m just curious. And am I even more fascinated by Pascal’s feet; I wonder if lessons in podorythmie would help my playing.
I wouldn’t use him as a stylistic model for Irish traditional music, if that’s what you’re thinking.
If you’re interested in contradance or bush bands though, then he would be a fine model.
Genticorum would be a great model for an entertaining folk band though, no matter what the
style. I’m talking about their relaxed, friendly manner - the way they smile at the audience
and joke amongst themselves. It makes you feel as though you are part of a club.