Travel Tales and Quebec Traditions on “Layon” by Les Grands Hurleurs | World Music Central

Nicolas Pellerin & Les Grands Hurleurs – Layon (La Compagnie du Nord, 2024)

With Layon, their sixth album, Nicolas Pellerin et Les Grands Hurleurs take you into the world of Québec’s rich cultural heritage. The album’s theme revolves around travel stories, inspiring the title “Layon,” a rarely used term for a small forest or mountain trail. This name invites listeners to join Les Grands Hurleurs on a path of discovery, filled with serene tenderness and joyful celebration.

The album begins with the lively track “Maréchal,” highlighting Les Grands Hurleurs’ irresistible, signature foot-tapping rhythms and call-and-response vocals, reflecting the communal spirit of Québécois music. Meanwhile, “Ti-Bébé,” a simple yet moving ballad about parental love and separation anxiety, has been a favorite of Pellerin for nearly two decades.

Another standout track, “Vin m’endort,” is a joyful classic from Jean-Paul Guimond, a legend in the Québécois trad scene and a significant inspiration to Pellerin. The album also features highly enjoyable songs from Pellerin’s extensive collection of around 900 songs, accumulated over the years from various sources.

Pellerin describes their music as “trad moderne,” inspired by tradition but not limited by it. He aims to connect audiences to the stories he tells through his songs. Les Grands Hurleurs are renowned for their energetic live performances, creating a festive atmosphere that brings their music to life. As dynamic representatives of Québec’s vibrant trad music scene, they have performed across Canada and internationally, including showcases at WOMEX, Folk Alliance International, and APAP. Now, they bring their innovative and spirited music to Marseille and Babel Music XP, aiming to captivate new audiences.

Musicians: Nicolas Pellerin on lead vocals, violin, foot tapping; Simon Lepage on double bass; Louis Thibault on mandolin & foot tapping; and Philippe Girard on guitar.

Buy Layon.