Review: CD Note: Soazig

Subject: Review: CD Note: Soazig
From: Jon Corelis
Date: 04 Mar 12 - 12:31 PM

I've just received a new-to-me CD which I really like, and since the artist apparently has never been mentioned on this site (at least a search on the name got no result), I thought I would post a note about it.

The CD is Celtic Harp & and Songs Bretagne by Soazig, issued by Successif, 2008. The songs are mostly instrumentals, but some have vocals in French and what I believe is Breton. I put it that way since I don't actually know any Breton and the CD are unfortunately has no notes of any kind, but I've looked at Breton lyrics in scores, and some of the lyrics on this CD sort of sound like them.

I believe Soazig is a Breton female name. The artist seems relatively unknown, at least in English speaking countries -- there is no Wikipedia article on her that I could find -- but a number of her CDs are available on amazon.com, some with samples (just do a search on Soazig.)

I find this CD very well done and easy to listen to. Many of the tracks have that misty dreaminess so often found in Breton music. Some of the melodies I think I recall from older Alan Stivell records, though I haven't checked this. I'm not enough of an authority on Breton music to judge these versions' authenticity; I suspect the artist would be considered an "interpreter," but the material is presented simply enough that the interpretation doesn't seem to me to get in the way of the traditional feeling.

I think this CD would be good listening for anyone who likes Celtic music. Does anyone know anything about the artist or have any comments on the material or performances?

Jon Corelis
Celtic suite in G major