Saint Venant, France
by Michel Esbelin
Founded in 2003 by Vermont accordionist and pianist Jeremiah McLane, "Le Bon Vent " brings together six musicians from the United States. The group's focus is traditional music from France, and the result is remarkable and charming. McLane is a devotee of French music and culture and has already pursued this repertoire over many years through various bands and recordings (Nightingale, Hummingbird). For this project he wished to create a musical universe inspired by the characters in Jean Ginon's novel Regain.
From the first listen you notice the classical and folk influences, which create all the charm of this debut album. The style of the arrangements and improvisations create a feeling of space and depth with much subtlety and a powerful sense of detail. The wish to respect the repertoire is obvious in each track. The references to Joseph Canteloube and Cesar Frank are brought out by the voice of Cristi Catt. The original compositions are numerous; Jeremiah McLane demonstrates his talents as a fine composer of melody, and guest guitarist Patrick Desaunay, native Frenchman of the sextet, contributes his piece Transligerian. To complete the lineup, there is also James Falzone on clarinet, Taki Masuko on percussion, Adam Larrabee on mandolins and guitar, and Ruthie Dornfeld on violin. Another bravo for this beautiful teamwork, whose music rings true with sobriety, fluidity, and equilibrium. In the image of these talented interpreters, this "Good Wind" from across the Atlantic breathes with a revitalizing humanity.