Startijenn – “Skeud” (Paker, 2015)
“Skeud” (shadow, reflection) is the fifth album by one of the best-known bands from Brittany. The group combines traditional dances and tunes from Brittany with rock, jazz, Celtic influences from Ireland and even a bit of funk.
The sound of Startijenn is characterized by the sounds of traditional Breton instruments, biniou (bagpipe) and bombard (reed instrument) supported by guitar, accordion and a solid rhythm section of electric bass and percussion.
The captivating Breton folk music styles featured on “Skeud” include an dro (circle dance), rond de Loudia (a dance from the Loudia region), valse, ridée (a dance from the Vannes region) and various other traditional forms.
The lineup on “Skeud” includes Tangi Oillo on guitars; Youenn Roue on bombards; Lionel Le Page on biniou and uilleann-pipes; Kaou Gwenn on percussion; Tangi Le Gall-Carré on button accordion; and Julien Stévenin on bass.
Startijenn was founded in Brest in 1997. Since then, the band has grown to be one of the leading acts in the Breton folk music scene and they have toured internationally, taking the Breton music they are passionate about. Startijenn’s earlier recordings include Startijenn (Coop Breizh, 2006), Pakit Holl! (Paker Prod / Coop Breizh, 2008), Kreiz da Fas! (Paker Prod / Coop Breizh, 2010), and Startijenn – El Taqa Live (Paker Prod / Coop Breizh, 2013).
“Skeud” is a powerful forward thinking album by one of Brittany’s most significant contemporary folk music artists.
Buy Skeud from Amazon UK or directly from the band: www.startijenn.bzh/en/shop/
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
