Art populaire – Nicolas Boulerice et Olivier Demers avec Robert Deveaux

The Boulerice-Demers duo began their explorations more than 25 years ago. This third opus presents traditional songs from Acadia and Quebec in the most stripped-down form. It was in the company of singer and fiddler from Cape Breton, Robert Deveaux, that the ART POPULAIRE project was developed. An old repertoire presented as simply as possible, with three voices, two violins and a hurdy-gurdy. In short, drone music, without any real modern accompaniment. Francophones in Canada, like those throughout America, have a common history and culture. The people of this country have often been driven by the idea of resistance, so that their language and their identity survive. Despite the great cultural proximity of these nations scattered on the continent, there are few real moments of exchange for these peoples of America. Here is one.

Nicolas Boulerice: vocals, hurdy-gurdy, drum
Olivier Demers: violin, mandocello, jaw’s harp, foot tapping, vocals
Robert Deveaux: vocals, violin
David Brunelle: harmonica (track 11)
Daniel Roy: flageolet (track 5), vocals (track 11)
Charles-Émile Beaudin: sound recording
Jean-François Vézina and Olivier Demers: recordings
Olivier Demers with Nicolas Boulerice and Robert Deveaux: mixing
Mark Busic at BUsic studio: mastering
Nicolas Boulerice and Olivier Demers: production
Executive production and label: La Compagnie du Nord, Geneviève Nadeau
Graphic design: Kariboo Marketing, Gabrielle Malboeuf
Photos: Noémie Martineau

Lyrics booklet (PDF)