Genticorum & Pastiche
2011
PM
MEL LEHAN HALL AT ST. JAMES i
3214 West 10th Ave, Kitsilano
Accessible 
All ages
This event has already taken place.
A vigorous & exciting approach to Quebecois music. They have a very full & varied sound for a trio. 3 excellent voices share the singing of some punchy call & response items & there are some lovely driving instrumentals.
– fROOTS magazine, UK
One of our favourite Quebecois groups returns to The Rogue for the first time in several years (2004 was their only previous show with us, but they did open for Alsadair Fraser & Natalie Haas at CPAT in 2007. GENTICORUM has become one of the most sought-after exponents of Quebecois musical culture, having now performed and toured across North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania - more than 15 countries in all. Firmly rooted in the soil of their native land, this energetic and original power trio also incorporate the dynamism of contemporary North American and European folk cultures into their music. They weave precise and intricate fiddle and flute work, gorgeous vocal harmonies, energetic foot percussion, and guitar and bass accompaniment into a jubilant musical feast. GENTICORUM's distinctive sound, sense of humour and stage presence make it a supreme crowd pleaser - though never at the expense of the music.
GENTICORUM's second album, Malins Plaisirs, released in Canada in 2005, won in the Best Ensemble category at the Canadian Folk Music Awards and was nominated for Juno (Canada) and Félix (Quebec) awards. Now released in Europe (in collaboration with the Weatherbox label), the album is getting rave reviews on the other side of the Atlantic.
The trio's third album, La Bibournoise, was released in Canada in April 2008 to critical acclaim. This work builds on GENTICORUM's trademark sound, combining rollicking interpretations of Quebec folk songs with original instrumentals written in the traditional style. Energetic yet folky, its harmonized songs sublime, its frenzied rhythms mesmerizing, its arrangements fresh and unique - this is La Bibournoise, and sometimes it's hard to believe it is the work of just three band members!
They are touring in support of their fourth CD this month, The band members are Alexandre de Grosbois-Garand (flute, bass), Pascal Gemme (fiddle) and Yann Falquet (guitar).
Pastiche artfully blends original material with traditional folk songs and tunes from France and Quebec. Much of the repertoire makes use of irregular rhythms, modern chording and complex arrangements. The result is a pastiche of influences, both contemporary and past, which can best be described as "folk-nouveau". The band features three former members of Vancouver Celtic Rockers Mad Pudding: Cameron Wilson (fiddle), Boris Favre (bass, accordion, and probably French bagpipes) and Allen Dionne (drums, accordion).