This is a new sampler of Trouz Bras at The Blackstone River Theatre, Cumberland in Rhode Island.
If you haven't seen us live in concert, here's a five minute taster:
Thursday, May 31, 2007
The Breton Waltz
This is a video of Trouz Bras performing Barry Hall's "The Golden Waltz" with guest fiddle player Shira Kammen in Grafton, MA
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
A bit of Ancient History
Let me tell you about one of the best things in the whole, wide world - Breton dancing and its magical properties.
The Bretons dance at events called "Festou-Noz" or "Night Festivals." They are gatherings of locals and visitors who come together to celebrate "Breton-ness" (my word). These dances encapsulate everything about being a proud Celt and wanting to show it off. The music is mesmerizing and performed on everything from a capella voices through medieval bagpipe and rustic oboe to synths and drum sets. The dances are simple and hypnotic. They are performed by everyone from the youngest to the very oldest in the community in circles, lines and spirals. Add to the music and dance, fantastic crepes, frites, oysters, cidre and wine, and you have the makings of a really good night out (IMHO). There has been a huge renaissance of interest in the music and dance of Brittany in the last number of years, and younger and younger folks are dancing the dances and learning to play the music.
It was the summer of 1993 and I had just gone back to England from California where I had led dances on a tour of the west coast. During the trip I had decided that I would try living in California for a while. There were a few weeks before going back to California, so I thought that I would like to visit Brittany during the time, as it might be quite a while before my next visit.
Accompanied by a friend from Bristol named Angela, we set off. Angela was an avid circle dancer, but had never been to Brittany or a Fest Noz. I had been to many, of all kinds. They had varied from huge events at the big festivals such as Lorient and Quimper and small, local affairs in far flung villages.
We made our way to the tiny, fairly remote village of Logonna-Daoulas which was situated on the rocky coast just south of Brest.
Logonna-Daoulas certainly took some finding, even with a good map. We did find it in the late afternoon and there were many villagers building a huge bonfire on the village green. We were much too early, as most Festou-Noz don't start until about 10:00pm. Having assured ourselves that we'd found the right place, we set off to find lodging. Home on that night turned out to be a beautiful converted watermill nearby. The thing with a Fest Noz is that if it's successful it continues on until the early hours of the morning. We may not need these beds after all (but they would be good for sleeping off the festivities the next day). We snoozed in the garden and ate a hearty Breton meal in the restaurant of the mill to prepare ourselves for the dancing.
At around 10:00 we drove back into the village and things seemed as though they weren't going to get going for quite a while. We went into the local bar and had some drinks and only slowly did things start to happen. We found that the dance was to commemorate the burning of Joan of Arc and that "things never get going until late around here."
At about 10:45 there was a rush of people to the bar and the excitement began to grow. We went outside just in time to see the lighting of the bonfire, which by this time was as tall as a three story house! The musicians would play from a stage made of a farm trailer with a cover and the outside bar was beginning to do brisk business. The main band for the evening was one of my favorites. "Skolvan" appeared on stage and it was straight into a gavotte and we were off - no introductions, no big build up. In fact there wasn't a single announcement of any kind all night.
The dances kept coming - an dro, plin, laride, rond de Loudeac on into the night ...
When Skolvan were having a break, we danced to an elderly couple of men from the village who sang "Kan ha Diskan", an a capella style of singing. The tempo wavered greatly, but it was wonderful to experience. We also danced to two young musicians called "sonerion" (in Breton) or "sonneurs de couple" (in French). This was the music that Alan Stivell envisioned for a Fest Noz as played on the biniou koz (old bagpipe) and the bombarde (rustic oboe). They were really hot and I could see that in a couple of years they were going to be well known in Brittany.
The fire was constantly replenished and it was incredibly hot. The steps of Breton dances are simple and hypnotic and as the night wore on I could feel that I was getting into a very deep place within myself. I consider the dances 'moving meditations.'
At around about 3:00am it began to rain very heavily and all of us who were dancing in the spiral just moved closer to the fire and were protected by a dome of steam. Those still drinking at the bar were getting soaked. I began to feel very strange. It was as though a huge serpent was uncurling in my belly and was beginning to move up my spine. My chakras were opening with a whoosh as the snake got to them and I was getting lighter and lighter. The dances just kept coming, no conversation between them, no introductions, the band struck up and we danced. Eventually the serpent reached my crown chakra and opened it with a huge burst of flame. I was flying.
I continued to dance in this ecstatic state for hours. 4:00am, 5:00am came and I really felt that at last I understood what these dances were about. Obviously I was experiencing the opening of the Kundalini energy as is taught in eastern traditions and I hadn't even been trying. At about 6:00am I felt the serpent begin to recede, down through the chakras, closing them as it went. Suddenly I began to feel incredibly tired and asked Angela if she would like to leave. We did and she drove back to the watermill.
I have wondered since if many Bretons have had the experience that I did whilst dancing; and thought maybe I'd had it due to my experience of sacred circle dance. It was September 1995 before I thought of it again. I was dancing with the band Ad Vielle Que Pourra at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, California. Benoit from the band was teaching an An Dro and he was talking about raising the serpent. I went to talk to him at the end, and he told me that he had experienced it on a number of occasions.
It's now 2007, and I have danced at hundreds more Festou-Noz. The serpent has risen on many occasions where I have been able to give myself to the music and dance without having to be concerned about teaching or performing. A Fest Noz can be attended at many levels from pure entertainment, through a community gathering to a spiritual event. When in Brittany look for the magic words FEST NOZ on posters in tabac windows, on notice boards or telegraph poles. For the price of a few Euros, you can join in the dance and have a peak into a Celtic world that almost disappeared. With all the music and dance enthusiasts in Brittany right now, I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon.
- Ray Price
Cidre from The Big Apple?
There's a new Breton organization just formed in New York. They are called "BZH New York" or The Association of Bretons and Friends of Brittany in the New York area. Made up of ex-pat Bretons, they organize monthly get togethers, Festou-Noz, a Bastille Day celebration in Manhattan and they are hosting the New York leg (arm?) of the huge "Cyber-FestNoz" on September 22nd, 2007.Their biggest event to date (and it was REALLY big), was bringing the Breton Bagad "Kevrenn Alre" to Manhattan and Philadelphia for the St. Patrick's weekend (with the Bagad appearing in the NY St. Paddy's Day Parade).
Their website is at www.bzh-ny.org/
When in Paris
If you want a little Breton flavor, wander into Montparnasse which is the Breton quarter of the city. There you'll find more creperies than you can shake a stick at and Breton gift shops and music/bookstores. Deep inside Montparnasse, you'll also find "La Mission Bretonne" or "Tri ar Vretoned." It's a community center for ex-pat Bretons where you'll find dance classes, talks, "Festou-Noz" and "Festou-Deiz" and all manner of things Breton.
Don't bother in July or August though, because it closes so everyone can go home to Brittany.
Their website.
Don't bother in July or August though, because it closes so everyone can go home to Brittany.Their website.
Also in London
If you're in "The Big Smoke" and can tear yourself away from the fish 'n chips and warm beer, there's "On Bouge.""Come and dance French & Breton dances as danced at French bals folks and festivals and Breton festou noz (night festivals). Bourrées, Breton gavottes, polkas, mazurkas, rondeaux, schottisches and valses. No partner necessary, but feel free to bring them. You are all welcome!
Musicians - develop your repertoire and technique for dance-related music in an informal setting.
Music and chat session in the bar from 6.30pm. We often start with a short workshop, followed by general dancing, but sometimes it is interspersed. All experienced dancers are happy to help."
Find "On Bouge" on the web here.
If you find yourself in London
Le Breizho is organized by a group of ex-pat Bretons in London. They put on "Festou-Noz," dance classes and other get togethers, so if you are away in London and want an An Dro or Gavotte, track them down.
You'll find their website at www.breizho.org.uk
ICDBL
If you love Brittany and Breton music and dance, you should consider becoming a member of this great organization: The International Committee for the Defense of the Breton Language.
The ICDBL was established in 1975 in Brussels, Belgium, to support the repeated demands of Bretons that their native language be given the recognition and place in the schools, media and public life of Brittany that it needs to survive. The ICDBL was founded by and continues to count on the support of NON-Bretons, as well as people of Breton heritage living throughout the world, who testify to the international concern for the future of the Breton language.
The U.S. Branch of the ICDBL was founded in 1981, and has members in 38 states - from Alaska, Hawaii and California, to Maine, Florida and Texas. The U.S. ICDBL is a non-profit organization with the aim to help Americans learn about Brittany and the Breton language and culture, and to support the development of the Breton language education and culture in Brittany.
All U.S. ICDBL members receive the quarterly newsletter called Bro Nevez ("New Country" in the Breton language). This 40-45 page newsletter (primarily in English with some Breton and French) includes articles about the Breton language and culture, book and music reviews, and short notes to introduce readers to Breton history, art, literature, economy, sports, nature and Brittany's Celtic cousins. Membership (or subscription to the newsletter only) costs US$20 per year for US residents and US$25 for non-US residents.
Visit the ICDBL Website
Check out the Breton Links
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
The Trouz Bras FAQ
All the questions you're dying to ask.
How did you come up with the name Trouz Bras?
"Trouz Bras" translates from Breton (the Celtic language of Brittany) to "big noise" or "great sound." We think it describes us well - we work hard to make a great big noisy sound! Our name is often mis-read, misspelled, and mis-pronounced ("true brazz" FYI). It has nothing to do with fish, or trousers, or brassieres. (BTW, Ray thinks it's all about him and his freaking-loud bagpipes. Pipers are so vain!)
Do you play Cape Breton music?
No. Cape Breton Island is a community in Canada with strong Scottish roots. We play the Breton music of Brittany, the western half of France. It's a country of barren landscapes, Celtic myths and legends, megaliths and unique music and dance.
That sounds cool. What else is Brittany known for?
Crepes. Cider. Bombardes. Awesome cider. A strong sense of community and cultural identity that reaches back thousands of years. Did we mention the awesome cider?
Why do you play Breton music?
Ray fell in love with the music and dance of Brittany when he first visited in the 1920s. Since then he's spent many delirious nights all across Brittany at "Festou Noz" (night festivals), drinking cider and dancing until he keeled over. He loves Breton dancing more than life itself, and he will teach it to anyone who has at least two legs. The locals declared him an "honorary Breton" (a title that was later revoked once they tasted his cooking).
Why is Breton music Celtic?
The Celtic universe is much larger than just Ireland and Scotland. There are actually two distinct families of nations, related by their language and culture. Ireland, Scotland and Isle of Man make up one branch, and Wales, Brittany, and Cornwall the other. Until recently, the ancient traditions of the lesser-known groups have languished in comparative obscurity, but Trouz Bras (and many other newer Breton bands in Europe) aim to help change that. Breton music is traditionally performed on ancient instruments known as the biniou koz (old bagpipe) and bombard (rustic shawm), both of which are extremely loud. As time has progressed, the music has developed with the introduction of fiddles, accordions and guitars. There has been a huge renaissance of interest in the "Fest Noz" in recent years. The music is driving, insistent and mesmerizing and the spiral and circle dances are performed by everyone from the youngest to the very oldest.
Where are you guys in Trouz Bras from?
Ray is originally from Wales, though at some point in his life he has lived in, traveled to, or been kicked out of just about every continent. Mance is a native New Englander. He still lives in the house he was born in. (Still sleeps in the same crib, too). Barry was raised in an Ohio cornfield and grew up playing hillbilly music on a cigar-box fiddle. We're not sure where Brian is from. He just showed up one day with his bass and started playing. We haven't really spoken to him yet. We only know his name because it's written on his butt. With a Sharpie. (Don't ask).
What type of bagpipes is Ray playing?
Ray plays a set of traditional Breton pipes called a "veuze" (which is Breton for "burst eardrums"). He also plays a larger, mellower set of English border pipes. (Of course, it's ridiculous to use the term "mellow" with bagpipes.) The other bag you'll see Ray pick up during performances is filled with gin.
How did you come up with the band's instrumentation?
The bagpipes and fiddle are traditional instruments in Breton music. Barry also plays the vielle, which is a Medieval European fiddle. For the rhythm section we draw on traditional instruments - Mance's bodhrans come from the mists of ancient Irish history, and Brian's electric bass comes from the darkest recesses of eBay. We like using these instruments to back up the tunes, rather than being clichˆ© - no drum set, no guitars, and no keyboards.
But isn't that a guitar Barry's playing?
Yeah, it kind of looks like one, but it's actually a bouzouki.
I thought a bouzouki was some sort of weapon?
In the wrong hands it is.
Do you guys make a lot of money playing Breton music?
It varies. Each member of the band is paid on a per-note basis. So that means Mance gets paid more than the rest of the band. Combined. Ray earns the least, since his droning pipes only clock in at one note per tune.
How is Trouz Bras different from other Celtic bands?
Hmm, well it's likely that we're less tattooed. We rarely play in pubs, and we do all our own stunts.
What? You do our own stunts?
Well, most of them. We use stunt doubles for crowd surfing, and for band rehearsals.
How did you come up with the name Trouz Bras?
"Trouz Bras" translates from Breton (the Celtic language of Brittany) to "big noise" or "great sound." We think it describes us well - we work hard to make a great big noisy sound! Our name is often mis-read, misspelled, and mis-pronounced ("true brazz" FYI). It has nothing to do with fish, or trousers, or brassieres. (BTW, Ray thinks it's all about him and his freaking-loud bagpipes. Pipers are so vain!)
Do you play Cape Breton music?
No. Cape Breton Island is a community in Canada with strong Scottish roots. We play the Breton music of Brittany, the western half of France. It's a country of barren landscapes, Celtic myths and legends, megaliths and unique music and dance.
That sounds cool. What else is Brittany known for?
Crepes. Cider. Bombardes. Awesome cider. A strong sense of community and cultural identity that reaches back thousands of years. Did we mention the awesome cider?
Why do you play Breton music?
Ray fell in love with the music and dance of Brittany when he first visited in the 1920s. Since then he's spent many delirious nights all across Brittany at "Festou Noz" (night festivals), drinking cider and dancing until he keeled over. He loves Breton dancing more than life itself, and he will teach it to anyone who has at least two legs. The locals declared him an "honorary Breton" (a title that was later revoked once they tasted his cooking).
Why is Breton music Celtic?
The Celtic universe is much larger than just Ireland and Scotland. There are actually two distinct families of nations, related by their language and culture. Ireland, Scotland and Isle of Man make up one branch, and Wales, Brittany, and Cornwall the other. Until recently, the ancient traditions of the lesser-known groups have languished in comparative obscurity, but Trouz Bras (and many other newer Breton bands in Europe) aim to help change that. Breton music is traditionally performed on ancient instruments known as the biniou koz (old bagpipe) and bombard (rustic shawm), both of which are extremely loud. As time has progressed, the music has developed with the introduction of fiddles, accordions and guitars. There has been a huge renaissance of interest in the "Fest Noz" in recent years. The music is driving, insistent and mesmerizing and the spiral and circle dances are performed by everyone from the youngest to the very oldest.
Where are you guys in Trouz Bras from?
Ray is originally from Wales, though at some point in his life he has lived in, traveled to, or been kicked out of just about every continent. Mance is a native New Englander. He still lives in the house he was born in. (Still sleeps in the same crib, too). Barry was raised in an Ohio cornfield and grew up playing hillbilly music on a cigar-box fiddle. We're not sure where Brian is from. He just showed up one day with his bass and started playing. We haven't really spoken to him yet. We only know his name because it's written on his butt. With a Sharpie. (Don't ask).
What type of bagpipes is Ray playing?
Ray plays a set of traditional Breton pipes called a "veuze" (which is Breton for "burst eardrums"). He also plays a larger, mellower set of English border pipes. (Of course, it's ridiculous to use the term "mellow" with bagpipes.) The other bag you'll see Ray pick up during performances is filled with gin.
How did you come up with the band's instrumentation?
The bagpipes and fiddle are traditional instruments in Breton music. Barry also plays the vielle, which is a Medieval European fiddle. For the rhythm section we draw on traditional instruments - Mance's bodhrans come from the mists of ancient Irish history, and Brian's electric bass comes from the darkest recesses of eBay. We like using these instruments to back up the tunes, rather than being clichˆ© - no drum set, no guitars, and no keyboards.
But isn't that a guitar Barry's playing?
Yeah, it kind of looks like one, but it's actually a bouzouki.
I thought a bouzouki was some sort of weapon?
In the wrong hands it is.
Do you guys make a lot of money playing Breton music?
It varies. Each member of the band is paid on a per-note basis. So that means Mance gets paid more than the rest of the band. Combined. Ray earns the least, since his droning pipes only clock in at one note per tune.
How is Trouz Bras different from other Celtic bands?
Hmm, well it's likely that we're less tattooed. We rarely play in pubs, and we do all our own stunts.
What? You do our own stunts?
Well, most of them. We use stunt doubles for crowd surfing, and for band rehearsals.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Someone who loves Brittany!
I was checking around the blogosphere when I was putting together this new site and came across an artist who lives and works in Brittany named Sarah Wimperis.
Sarah creates beautiful work on the theme of Brittany and its people and you should check her out.
Her main blog is: http://www.sarahwimperis.blogspot.com/
From there you can find out about her work as a painter, her life in Brittany and her lovely B&B.
Of particular interest to me were her pictures of Breton dancers. The one above really captures the essence of a Fest Noz (but as Sarah says, "not the smells"). The picture below is a very whimsical depiction of some Breton dancers - it's cute!
Enjoy her work and her love of Brittany!
- Ray
Sarah creates beautiful work on the theme of Brittany and its people and you should check her out.
Her main blog is: http://www.sarahwimperis.blogspot.com/
From there you can find out about her work as a painter, her life in Brittany and her lovely B&B.
Of particular interest to me were her pictures of Breton dancers. The one above really captures the essence of a Fest Noz (but as Sarah says, "not the smells"). The picture below is a very whimsical depiction of some Breton dancers - it's cute!
Enjoy her work and her love of Brittany!
- Ray
Making a NOISE in a bookstore
Barry from Trouz Bras and I performed in Lowell, MA yesterday for "A Celebration of Brittany."
We went under the name "The Trouz Bras Sonneurs de Couple."
It was great making a noise in a bookstore with our biniou and bombarde! It's a pity that there wasn't a bigger audience.
Who knew that Jack Kerouac had Breton roots and was born and bred in Lowell? That's what the event was all about.
- Ray
Kerouac Attack!
As Ray mentioned in his posting, we played at an event honoring Jack Kerouac at his birthplace in Lowell, MA. Traditional Breton instruments and garb...everything but the cider!
We were LOUD! Ray said it had always been his dream to blast his bagpipes in a bookstore. It's always been my dream to blast a bagpipe store, but that's for another day.
- Barry
We were LOUD! Ray said it had always been his dream to blast his bagpipes in a bookstore. It's always been my dream to blast a bagpipe store, but that's for another day.
- Barry
Another Picture from Lowell, MA
Ray Price - Veuze
Barry Hall - Bombarde
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