Flying Shoes Radio Hour

Episode 4 - Genticorum

Episode Summary

This fourth episode of the Flying Shoes Radio Hour podcast involves chatting (and laughing) with the Quebecois band, Genticorum. Original members, Pascal Gemme and Yann Falquet, along with their “Genticorum 2.0” bandmate Nicholas Williams were in midcoast Maine for several days, and we recorded the show as soon as they arrived in town. The podcast launched a weekend full of Genticorum delights: a contra dance, a musicians’ workshop, a singing workshop, and two concerts - ooh la la! Yann, Nicholas & Pascal are a treat to spend time with, and their music is absolutely uplifting and enlivening — even if it’s dark and modal, but especially when it’s got that distinctive Quebecois joie de vivre. Our conversation was a window into the band’s history and evolution, their individual paths to playing trad music, and specifically how playing for contra dances helped cement their status as a trio. We also heard musings on trad music in general, and what they consider differently when they’re working with a contra caller. Plus you’ll hear the story of how the particular compensation that Pascal’s previous band got for a gig led directly to Pascal & Yann’s first musical connection. We could have talked for much longer, but this podcast might whet your appetite for more connections with Nicholas, Pascal & Yann.

Episode Notes

Click here for the full transcript

Genticorum

Some people and places mentioned in the conversation: 

Tunes:

  1. Galope des montagnards laurentiens (trad)
  2. Quadrille de Montcalm / reel du lièvre / reel de Chicoutimi (trad)
  3. La chaine des dames (André Alain)
  4. Valse Beaulieu (Pascal Gemme)
  5. Hommage à Guy Thomas (Philippe Bruneau)