Little trace is left of the ancient Druids who lived in this region of France. But Brittany's spirit lives on in it's own language, distinctive religious observances, and especially it's music. The Conan Family heard on this album represent this Breton spirit. They come from Perros Guirrec in western Brittany, a small community known for it's Celtic heritage and Breton culture. Jacques Conan, the patriarch of the Conan family, was a leading figure in the preservation and transmission of Breton folklore. This 18-track CD introduces listeners to the beautiful and dynamic music of Brittany with the sounds of it's unique bagpipes and medieval shawms (predecessors of the modern oboe).

Tracklist:

Shepherd's Song - Kanaouenn Ar Maesaer
Dances: Two-Step, Marguerite, Near The Woods
Mountain Dance
Dances: Koroll Plaen - Simple Dance, Koroll Ar Bizhier - Stick Dance, Jabadao - Eight Figure Dance
Francois Is At The Mill - MaÃ± Fransez Er Vilin-Avel
Song Of The Reapers - Son Ar Falc'herien
Three Dances: Ton Ar C'hezeg - March Of The Horses, Koroll Fisel, Bal Ar Menez
The Banners Of Lampaul - Bannielou Lambaol
March And Two Dances: Ton Bale Pondivi - Pontivy March, Laride - Round Dance, Koroll Fanch - Passepied
Three Dances: Piler Lann - Frontal Dance, GavotennoÃ¹ - Gavotte, TonioÃ¹ Koroll - Dance-Song Gavotte
The Young Sailor's Song - Son Ar Martolod Yaouank
The Lost Bride
The Little Rooster - Ar C'hogig
The Drinker's Wife - Gwreg Al Lonker
I'll Build A House - Me'savo Va Zi
Louisette And Pierrot - Loeisaig Ha Perig
The Pork Sausage - An, Anduilhenn
The Plucking Of The Wren - DispluaÃ± Al Laouenig

UPC: 093070401426
Label: Folkways Records
Release Date: 5.30.12
Format: CD

The Conan Family - Songs and Dances of Brittany (CD)