Grosse Isle
Grosse Isle is a trio of traditional musicians from Québec and Ireland. Their fifth studio album Homérique tells the stories of legendary characters from the folklore of Ireland and Québec through music, and through original and traditional songs in Irish, French and English. The name Grosse Isle refers to the story of the mass immigration of Irish through Grosse Île in the St. Lawrence River, as they fled the Great Famine, which resulted in an important encounter between two cultures.
The trio is made up of All Ireland Champion uilleann piper Fiachra O’Regan, sublime fiddler, singer and composer Sophie Lavoie, and Aldor Emerging Artist Award winning guitarist François-Félix Roy, and this collaboration brings the artistry of all three to the fore. Grosse Isle have performed extensively in Québec, Canada, USA and further afield, with notable appearances at Scotland’s Celtic Connections (2022 & 2023), WOMEX in Portugal (2021), Milwaukee Irish Fest (2023) and the Canada games (2022).
Their music has been praised by traditional and folk music critics worldwide and they have received numerous nominations at The Canadian Folk Music Awards, ADISQ and GAMIQ. In album reviews, Un Canadien Errant (2016) was described as “splendid stuff” by Songlines magazine, UK. Portraits (2018) was described as “One of the downright most enjoyable albums to have come this way for a considerable time” by Froots, UK. The Bonesetter (2021) was described as “Nothing short of fantastic” by Roots Music Canada.
Sophie Lavoie
“One of the rising stars of Québécois music”
fRoots magazine
“Sophie Lavoie is also a sublime composer on Celtic/French terrain”
folkworld.de
“lovely voice and expert fiddling”
Songlines magazine, UK
“Her tune compositions are lithe and masterful”
The Irish Times
Sophie Lavoie is a musician (fiddle player, pianist and singer) and ethnomusicologist from Lac-Saint-Jean, in Québec. She has recorded on numerous albums acclaimed by critics and has been described as a “sublime composer” (Folkworld) and an “expert fiddler” (Songlines Magazine). Her latest album Bleu bleu, entirely original, is « a gem » and « has captured the essence of quebecois music » (Fiddler Magazine). sophielavoie.ca
François-Félix Roy
“une voix claire et un jeu plein de finesse à la guitare” Guido Festinese, Giornale della musica (Italie)
“His music is united by fresh arrangements [and] deft fingerstyle guitar work” Li Robbins, Songlines Magazine (UK)
“If [his solo album] is anything to go by he will only continue to impress” Li Robbins, Songlines Magazine (UK)
Aldor Emerging Artist Award winning guitarist and singer François-Félix Roy (Festival Trad Montréal 2022) is a new and refreshing rising star in the Québécois traditional music scene. His unique approach combines the liveliness of traditional music with the nuance and subtlety folksingers are known for. From spirited war songs to introspective laments, his skillful guitar playing is empowered by the vibrancy of typical French-Canadian foot percussion. His concerts also feature instrumental reels and waltzes, reimagined through delicate fingerstyle arrangements. François-Félix launched his debut album Peines perdues in 2023, produced by Éric Beaudry (De temps antan, La bottine souriante). Its success has carried him to a variety of reputable venues, including the National Theater of Genova in Italy. His music has earned prizes in Canada and in the USA, where juries have lauded his instrumental mastery as well as the genuineness of his enthralling performances. He has shared the stage with many renowned artists such as Italian virtuoso Beppe Gambetta and Oji-Cree songwriter Aysanabee. francoisfelixroy.com
Fiachra O'Regan
“Fiachra’s piping is particularly impressive, sometimes wild like Paddy Keenan, sometimes more delicately restrained like Liam O’Flynn could be, and always spot on”
fRoots Magazine
“Fiachra’s pipes shine on the modern irish jig Sport“
folkworld.de
“…O’Regan’s piping is characteristically subtle, unfussily anchoring the trio…”
The Irish Times
Fiachra O‘Regan, from Connemara, on the West Coast of Ireland, plays Irish music on the Uilleann Pipes and Whistle, He is a senior All Ireland Champion on both these intruments. Fiachra has performed throughout the world, touring in his own group as well as with many other artists and groups. He is also saught after as a teacher in private lessons and at festivals. In 2008, Fiachra recorded Aisling Gheal, his first solo album, and has since recorded three albums with quebecois fiddler Sophie Lavoie, as well as appearing as a guest on many other albums. More info can be found on his website: fiachrapipes.com