Bleu bleu

There’s a post-COVID movement in Québécois folk music in which artists once known for their traditional roots have moved more towards original tunes and original songs, pushing a more cosmopolitan view of the music. Fiddler, singer, and now songwriter Sophie Lavoie’s album Bleu Bleu presents a mid-point between this new wave and the older traditions. She wrote every song on the album, but she’s drawing from traditional inspirations, in the melodies, structure and lyrical themes. Others claim this talent, but few can pull it off and make original music that sounds traditional. Here, Lavoie’s ‘Je Te Laisse Partir’ seems an ancient complainte, almost medieval. The tune that nestles in the middle displays the trademark crookedness and creativity of the best Québécois tunes. ‘Es-Tu Vraiment Là’ bursts the bounds of the tradition a bit, but has such a catchy refrain that it’s hard not to sing along with it, which is the ultimate goal of Québécois music. Known for her work as a traditional fiddler and singer in the band Grosse Isle, Lavoie clearly understands and honours her roots even while rebuilding them.