Le Vent du Nord – Par-dessus le pont

This is a story-within-a-story based on a song written in the 18^th century by one Jean Berger, after he and a friend were briefly locked up on accusations of brutality towards a Montréal bourgeois. Berger wrote a satirical song upon getting out of prison to make fun of the situation. However, the man targeted in the lyrics, thanks to his contacts, had the author put in shackles at the public square. So here’s a brand new song, inspired by one of the oldest neighbours’ quarrels in the Quebec archives. You will also hear Le reel à Pépé by Louis Beaudoin of Vermont, a French-American family originally from Sainte-Émélie-de-l’Énergie.

LE VENT DU NORD
All works, both traditional and new, are arranged by the five members of the Vent du Nord.

Nicolas Boulerice: vocals, hurdy-gurdy, and piano
André Brunet: violin, feet, and vocals
Réjean Brunet: bass, diatonic accordion, Quebec bombarde, and vocals
Olivier Demers: violin, mandolin, feet, Quebec bombarde, and vocals
André (Dédé) Gagné: vocals, guitar, and bouzouki

Recording: Charles-Émile Beaudin, assisted by Marilyn Dubé, Piccolo Studios, Montreal
Mixing: Charles-Émile Beaudin and LVDN
Mastering: Marc-Olivier Bouchard, Le Lab Mastering, Montreal
Photo: Annie Diotte
Graphic Design: Olivier Ménard – Relief Création
Record Company/Label: Geneviève Nadeau – La Compagnie du Nord

Saint-Olive, l’apothicaire, se serait fait tabasser
Par Berger et puis Lambert, dans la nuit rien n’est si clair
Qui composa, en prison, cette chanson, par-dessus le pont

Il envoya quérir soudain les messieurs d’la justice
Donnant l’argent à pleine main, pour qu’enfin on les punisse
Sur la grande place un carcan et Jean Berger dedans
À son cou on pouvait lire – auteur de mauvaise satire
Ceux qui auront profité de cette plaisante affaire
Messieurs les juges, les greffiers, les huissiers et les notaires
Ces nobles et ces fanfarons iront boire chez Lafont
Chacun se moquant de lui, Saint-Olive est en maudit