La Bottine Souriante first appeared on the Quebec music scene in 1976. This remarkable group has released in just twenty three years ten albums; three are certified Gold (meaning that over 5 copies have been sold) and one is Platinum (over 1 sold). Altogether they have sold over half a million albums! On top of all this the group has won dozens of awards and headlined festivals around the world. La Bottine Souriante is no longer simply a Quebecois/Canadian musical phenomenon. The group and their explosive sound have crossed borders the world over and left in their wake countless enchanted audiences. The group has developed a distinctive sound all its own that successfully allies its homage to tradition with a dash of jazz, salsa, and pure folk while at the same time perfectly representing the symbol of vitality and pride of its mother culture. In addition the music identifies strongly with the current World Music movement.
La Bottine has developed an exceptionally tight cohesive sound with a music that celebrates. These two elements music and celebration characterized by pulsating rhythm breathtaking sound and exuberant spirit have been inseparable since time immemorial. And it is directly into this turbulent energy that La Bottine Souriante sweeps its rapturous public.
Comprised of nine solid musicians traditionally-rooted group members include : Michel Bordeleau (foot-tapping drum mandolin fiddle guitar vocals); lead singer Yves Lambert (button accordion harmonica); and Andre Brunet (fiddle guitar) with jazzmen Regent Archambault (acoustic and electric bass) and Pierre Belisle (piano piano accordion) taking up the swing. Since 1990, a four-piece brass section has added an even more exciting dimension to La Bottine’s incomparable sound featuring Jean Fr?chette (saxophone and arrangements) Robert “Bob” Ellis (bass trombone) Andre Verreault (trombone) and Jocelyn Lapointe ( trumpet).
La Bottine Souriante took part to numerous Folk Festivals around the world among them Tonder Festival and the prestigious WOMAD. The group appears on many compilations notably with Irish Paddy Molony and The Chieftains (Fire in the Kitchen). After a worldwide deal with EMI La Bottine Souriante is developing an international career.
Aiming and encouraging the inspiration of traditional music La Bottine Souriante in 1993 created their own company. Les Productions Mille-Pattes is a leader in the transmision of traditional music in Quebec and a example to be followed for a younger generation of musicians. The label Mille-Pattes proudly represents groups such as La Bottine Souriante Michel Faubert Les Charbonniers de l’Enfer Yves Lambert Les Batinses Daniel Roy Entourloupe le trio Marchand-Ornstein-Miron as well as Danielle Martineau & Rockabayou.
Discography
Y’a ben du changement (1978)
Les Apousailles (198)
Chic ‘n Swell (1982)
La Traversee de l’Atlantique (1986)
Tout comme au jour de l’An (1987)
Je voudrais changer d’chapeau (1988)
Jusqu’aux p’tites heures (1992)
La Mistrine (1994)
En spectacle (1996)
Xieme (1998) released in the United States as Rock ‘n Reel
Cordial (2001)
Anthologie (2001)
J’ai jamais tant ri (2003)
Appelation D’Origine Controlee (Borealis Records, 2012)
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.
