celtic music canada

Bourrasque Celtique, six musicians that breath life into a colorful, irresistable music. The freshness and originality of their music stems from not only their extensive repertory but also their bold modern approach, creative well-chosen arrangements and original compositions.

Their energetic stage presence and their use of a mix of traditional and modern instuments have allowed the members of Bourrasque Celtique to stand out among the many groups now performing traditionnal music. Result : An unsurpassed swinging music that has the most difficult audiences clapping their hands and tapping their toes. Pleasant musicians, warm, heartfelt swinging music enjoyed by all !

The musicians offer a unique and exhilirating performance that will captivate the novice listener and the more experienced music-lover.

During the performance, a lively atmosphere naturally evolves into a softer melody ressembling a caress, as described by Marc Bilodeau, the founder, senior member and mandolin player of the group. Naturally this is when we can appreciate the use of the French language in sometimes amusing or mysterious, magical texts.

Troubadours

On stage

With the troup KELTICA

The group began as a father-son duo in 1997, and audience from all across the Québec were immediately charmed by their music and complicity on stage. The other members joined in along the years, adding more depth ti their music. Bourrasque Celtique built up an impresive resume over the years, playing in over one hundred theatres, fourty colleges and many festivals. Their performance at the opening of the 2003 edition of "Les Fêtes de la Nouvvele-France" attracted considerable attention. This event attracts over 100,000 people every year in Québec city.

In May of 1999, four members of the group recorded a first album entitled `Nordet`. Recorded and mixed by Serge Samson in Berthier-sur-Mer at `La P’tit Boutique Studio.The album contained 29 different melodies grouped under 14 titles and sold 1000 copies in Quebec.

Their latest album,”L’Oiseau Tonnerre” was recorded at the same studio and now distributed in Canada by LOCAL Distribution. You may also order directly from Bourrasque Celtique. The public is anxiously awaiting this new album with its elaborate arrangements of ancient melodies(some 300 years old) and original compositions.

You will also find traditional Irish, Scottish and Québecois pieces. The accompanying booklet contains a comic strip telling the story of a young girl travelling from one musical arrangement to another.

Founder and artist director of the group, Marc holds a real passion for traditionnal music. He helped built than bands repertoire with an intensive research of old archived music from Québec, Nova-Scotia, Ireland and England. This character shines not only by his many Cltic compositions, but also by his astounding presence on stage.

Marc Bilodeau has participated in many other cultural projects. Active member of the traditionnal music band Lustukru, Marc is also the artistic director of the "Les violons d'automne" annual festival in St-Jean-Port-Joly. From 1996 to 2000, he has been musician and president of the "La troupe du Vieux-Moulin" trroop, which played in many Europe festivals. Marc was also a representative for the Québec Association of Folk Activities for the Lower St-Lawrence provincial region (AQLF).

Marc’s son and a guitarist for more than 13 years. Raphael is a full time member of the group. He has a unique way of accompanying the traditional music with his very original harmonizations( learned during his heavy metal phase ).

Using his guitars either to accompany or to play the melody, he creates with his many special effects a trance-like state, ranging from a hypnotic to a wild delirious beat. A 6 month trip through Ireland and Scandinavia confirmed his passion for this magical music.

A versatile musician, he has been performing for many years. He is also a member of the traditional group Montreal O’Yab! He devotes the majority of his time to his music, perfecting his technique with the flutes, guitars and a variety of percussion instruments. His musical ear and sens of rhythm make him a key contributor to the group’s arrangements.

A young and talented djembé professor, Samuel posseses his own percussion style. He has put together congas, djembés and regular drums, thus helping to create Bourrasque Celtique’s particular tone. He continues to attend college majoring in percussion. Samuel is definitely on his way to a promising career.

She studied at the music conservatory in Montreal and with Marcel Rousseau at Laval University. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in music education majoring in choir direction. In 2001, she opens her own music school ,Solaré, in Saint-Jean Port-Joli. Her dynamic nature has led her to compose, create and perform using different art forms.