Music
Press
“Matapat’s performances here stand out as especially fun nights. They engage the audience with beautiful smiles, modest humor, and, above all, uplifting music. Whoever thought traditional music could get so groovy”.
- Sarah Craig, Manager, Caffe Lena
“Matapat, with their amazing talent, energy, and humor, made the sunshine on an overcast rainy day at Lincoln Center in NYC. Their performance enthralled the audience and helped to make the festival great”.
• - Spike Barkin, Lincoln Center N.Y. Out of Doors Festival
“They had the entire audience on its feet, laughing and dancing with each other... Presenting Matapat was a wonderful experience”.
• - Garth Ross, The Kennedy Center
Discography
2005 .:. Que de peine et d'amour (New Release)
2004 .:. Matapat 2 1/2
2001 .:. Petit fou
1998 .:. Matapat
Photos
Bio
MATAPAT .:. Founded in 1997, cosmopolitan in its spirit and its inspiration, passionate, versatile, and full-blooded, Matapat is a French Canadian folk music band based in Montréal echoing World's music traditions and its modern heritage.
A CROSS-CULTURAL MUSICAL BLEND .:. Undeniably French Canadian, Matapat's music reflects influences from a diverse spectrum of musical traditions and cultures and expends the soul and spirit of folk music in new and exciting directions.
A UNIQUE SOUND .:. Acclaimed for its gripping melodies and captivating rhythms, Matapat is currently promoting its fourth album: Que de peine et d'amour ! Since 1998, Matapat has also released: Matapat ( Juno nominated), Petit fou (Juno nominated) and Matapat 2 1/2
AN INFECTIOUS ENERGY .:. Matapat's members share a common goal: To take the audience on a journey into the soul of French Canada, using folk music as a base for innovation, fun and fusion. Upbeat rhythms and infectious melodies join together to deliver a cutting-edge multicultural experience where high octane jigs and reels ignite clapping, toe-tapping, and step dancing. Band's appearances include performances at major venues, such as the Winnipeg Folk Festival, London's Home County Festival, Peter Gabriel's Womad Festival, NPR's Week-end Edition with Scott Simon and the Smithsonian Institute, where Matapat's music is archived.
MATAPAT welcomes you to a place where traditional folk music goes together with discovery, innovation, and fun.
MUSICIANS
GASTON BERNARD .: guitar, mandolin, vocal
Gaston grew up in large family where musical gatherings were commonplace. His earliest memories are of his grandmother playing reels on the harmonica while foot-tapping in time. His Acadian background accounts for his fluent English which has allowed him to play and sing in a variety of musical projects such as David Francy’s Torn Screen Door, Penny Lang’s Stone & Sand & Sea and Sky and all three Steel Rail recordings.
SIMON LEPAGE .: electric and acoustic bass, vocal
An accomplished bass player and a graduate of the University of Montreal, Simon has more than 15 years of experience as a performer. His versatility gave him the opportunity to work in diverse musical environments from jazz combos to symphonic orchestras. He performed at such prestigious events as Les Francofolies in Larochelle (France) and Montreal (Canada), Jazz Festivals in Montreal and Ottawa. His extensive experience as a studio player includes works on many recording projects, and regular radio performances at the CBC, Radio-Canada and NPR.
TOMMY GAUTHIER .: violin, bouzouki, foot-tapping, vocal
Tommy is one of the most accomplished and versatile young musician in Québec. He studied the violin at the University of Montreal. As a member of the band, he brings tremendous talent and improvisational skills that have put a stamp on the band's sound and performances. Tommy's work can be heard on Matapat's latest recording "Que de peine et d'amour".
FRANÇOIS DAUPHIN .: percussions, step dancing, vocal
François is the latest addition to Matapat. He gave his first step dance performance with L'Ensemble Folklorique La Foulée from Joliette. He now teaches with them and acts as their artistic director. François studies at the Cégep régional de Lanaudière in Jazz/Pop percussions and drums. This fine young musician not only adds a new and exciting dimension to the band’s rhythm section , he is also a gifted singer-sonwriter.
WORKSHOPS:
· Matapat has presented workshops in traditional music and dance for many years at festivals, schools (K-12) and universities. Here are some of the interactive elements covered by Matapat
· Differentiating jigs (6/8) from reels (2/4) and waltzes (3/4) while learning the basic dance steps.
· Essentials of foot-tapping (sometimes called chair dancing), a typical element to Quebecois music.
· The “call and response” is the most popular and interactive form of traditional song in Quebec. Sing along while learning a few easy French words!
· Matapat can lead traditional dances for beginners as well as more advanced level.
· All instruments played by the band can be demonstrated and explained for workshops purposes namely violin, mandolin, guitar, bass and various percussion instruments.
· Matapat is also happy to host workshops and participate in all types of musical styles.
Vive la difference!
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