20 Printemps

To celebrate their 20th anniversary this year, the multi award-winning band Le Vent du Nord (the Wind of the North) have created an album titled 20 Printemps (20 Springtimes). Springtime signifies rebirth and rejuvenation - hallmarks of a band that over the course of two decades has consistently expanded and developed it's musical vision. A delightful mix of their own compositions and traditional songs, sourced from national archives, the dozen tracks feature the band's trademarks: call-and-response vocals, sublime harmonies, energetic podorythmie (foot tapping) and hurdy-gurdy playing that drive the rhythm of the tunes. The Vent du Nord have won a Grand Prix du Disque Charles Cros, two Junos (Canada's Grammys), a Félix at ADISQ, a Canadian Folk Music Award, and "Artist of the Year" at the Folk Alliance Annual Gala. They have toured the world, playing over 2,000 concerts and and collaborated with international artists, including The Chieftains, Väsen, Dervish, Breabach, Julie Fowlis, fellow French-Canadian group de Temps Antan and several Symphony Orchestras all over America and Europe. Their music is joyful and dynamic, and expands the bounds of tradition in striking global directions. This is the modern sound of tradition - a music of the here and now.