FY: Fantastic album, Enjoy it!!
"Sylvain Barou is undoubtedly one of the greatest flute players of his generation. He has recorded his first solo release in 2012 on which he invites some of the biggest names in traditional music today. An album at the crossroads between Celtic (irish & breton) and oriental music. Finally a more personal work after having worked with the top musicians of the scene and participating to about 50 albums as a guest soloist.
A promising album, an outstanding crew !"
"Sylvain Barou, the breton flute phenomenon, released this solo album in April 2012, he describes it a log book of the work of the last 10 years. Breton and irish music are well represented of course, but Middle eastern influences also bring colors to this magnificent release. A true masterpiece for a debut solo album."
01 - The Naga Jigs
02 - Horos
03 - Margaretig (intro)
04 - Ton Doubl Plinn
05 - Mare Nostrum
06 - The Windy Set
07 - Ridées
08 - Esfahan
09 - Alborada
10 - Mélodie Kozh
11 - Shah Kokojaan
12 - JD's reels
13 - Kreiz an douar
Sylvain Barou: flute
Dónal Lunny: bouzouki, bodhràn
Jacques Pellen: 12 strings guitar
Ronan Pellen: cittern
Julien Stevenin: double bass
Keyvan Chemirani: percussion (zarb, daff)
Prabhu Edouard: tabla, kanjira
Gilles Le Bigot: guitar
Youenn Le Bihan: bombarde
John Doyle: guitar
Liz Carroll: fiddle
Ed Boyd: guitar
Stelios Petrakis: lyra, lavta
Hamid Reza Khabbazi: tar
Florian Baron: oud
Rubén Bada: bouzouki
Alain Genty: fretless bass
Padraig Rynne: concertina
Paul McSherry: guitar
Méabh O'Hare: fiddle
Donal Lunny's liner notes on the CD:
"In the course of my musical career - particularly in the earlier
years, I have wandered in and out of many different genres of music.
Looking back on the journey, it feels like just that; a meandering
exploration which lacked a particular direction until one day I
realised that I was more connected with Irish music than any
other.From then on, the itinerary became simpler; a more direct route,
but not without occasional diversions into other regions, which
helped, and still help to replenish my passion for music generally.
Extending the analogy of travel and exploration to Sylvain, I think of
him as a mountaineer. Not only is he avidly interested in music from
every corner of the world, but he also seeks out challenges; peaks of
musical achievement which can normally only be accessed by musicians
who have been born into their particular culture, and who have served
arduous apprenticeships in their chosen disciplines. Reaching these
heights demands a degree of musicality one encounters only
occasionally.
This album is an exotic collection of music by any standards. In the
traditional tunes, the listening experience is all the more intense
and exhilarating because of the depth to which Sylvain has penetrated
the culture from which each piece originates. And in the treatment of
the newly composed pieces, the buoyant dynamic power and fluidity of
the playing is obvious.
The ongoing pursuit of musical knowledge and technique will continue
to inform and improve Sylvain's playing in different ways; most
importantly it will enable him to keep giving joy and pleasure to
those who listen to his unique voice. I feel honoured to share this
part of his great journey."
Dónal Lunny
Jan 2012
Recorded and mixed by Sylvain Barou
Mastered by Marco Migliari - Realworld Studios, UK