Vishten Connexions – Expansion
This conglomeration will come on a little foreign, with some curiosity — but begin by strapping yourselves in for a rollicking masterful melodic 7-track roller coaster ride of something unique to American ears. It has a Pogues drive but it’s dipped in a far sweeter brew of instrumentation & arrangements that sparkle.
The lead tune “Gaillard” is the essence of musical satisfaction for a deep ear. The fiddles fire off notes like a machine gun delightfully & the listening pleasure is accessible. This is the Expansion project (Dropped May 24/Les Editions du Corfus/32:00) produced by Vishten with musicianship including the instrumental tracks sounding homegrown & played with clarity, skill & focus. It’s a tribute to the late Canadian Pastelle LeBlanc, who passed away at 42 & was a composer, multi-instrumentalist, step dancer, singer & founding member of the Arcadian folk trio Vishten.
The songs individually feature various who came together for this collaboration & are seasoned experts. Each set manages segues that are balanced with all the necessary accessories of a well-recorded showcase with little in the way of formula. “Sauvage” features vocalist Catherine MacLellan who has an angelic voice. Folky enough to be in the same arena of the Fairport Convention with Sandy Denny but with a more vintage etch (not traditional) vintage.
One of the catchiest pieces is “More Love,” (with 6 Hearts – twin sister Emmanuelle LeBlanc, Pascal Miousse, Tim Chaisson & Jake Charron) that almost has a Cajun feel if I have to lend an ounce of reference. However, the tune cruises with no rough edges but with a commercial Euro-pop energy to push it gingerly. Lots of spirit & polish here.
The contrasts between the tunes are interesting because while they’re all consistent in flavor & complexity the lilting melodies are attractive. “Reflexions avec,” delves into an Appalachian atmosphere that would set feet stomping with certainty.
Some songs border on drama but it’s the music, vocals, arrangements & production that keep everything anchored. The songs are performed with impressive elegance.
Highlights – “Gaillard,” “Sauvage,” “More Love” & “Reflexions.”
Musicians – Pastelle LeBlanc (accordion/vocals), Pascal Miousse (vocals/fiddle/guitar/electric guitar), Pierre-Luc Dupuis (vocals/harmonica/jaw harp), David Boulanger (fiddle), Emmanuelle LeBlanc (vocals/piano/keys/podorythmie/foot percussion/bodhran/moog/whistle/shaker), Eric Beaudry (vocals/bouzouki/electric guitar), Marie Savoie-Levoc (bass), Catherine MacLellan (vocals/guitar), Rowan Gallant (fiddle), Jesse Periard (guitar), Tim Chaisson (vocals/guitar), Jake Charron (vocals/piano/keys/moog), Cedric Dind-Lavoie (double bass/piano/electric guitar), Julie Pellissier-Lush (vocals/hand drum), Seckou Keita (vocals/kora) & Catrin Finch (harp).
A beautifully stitched 20pp insert with info/credits & lyrics included. Color image courtesy of Andrew MacInnis. CD @ https://vishten.net/
