This band could not be more Quebecois if they tried. The first two members, Jean-François Pauzy (guitarist) and Karl Tremblay (singer), met in 1995 in a locker room after finishing a hockey training camp. That summer Jean-François met Marie-Annick Lépine, a violinist who officially joined the group after their success at a music competition. They were later joined by a bassist and drummer, and released their first album (12 Grandes Chansons) in 1997. At first it was mostly family and friends who listened to their music, but by 1998, when they released their second album (Sur mon Canapé), they had fans all over the province. In 2005 their tour included France as well as Quebec, and in 2009 they performed to sold out crowds in Paris, Lyon, and Geneva. To date they have sold over 800,000 records (see their homepage for a full biography and discography).
Their sound employs a variety of instruments: harmonica, accordion, violin, piano, lots of guitar, steady bass, and great drums, with male vocals and harmonies. Here are links to my favorites; some are official videos, others include lyrics.
Toune d'automne (Some great franglais lyrics, and a wonderful showcase of a Quebecois accent.)
La tête haute (The drums really make this track for me.)
Les étoiles filantes
(Are there any French singers or groups you would like to see featured on the blog? Let me know in the comments; I want to write what you want to read.)
