GROSSE ISLE
The traditional music trio Grosse Isle was born out of the “absolutely magical” collaboration between three exceptional musicians from Quebec and Ireland (The Irish Music Magazine). Together, Sophie Lavoie (fiddle, piano, vocals), François-Félix Roy (guitar, podorhythmie), and Fiachra O’Regan (uilleann pipes, whistle, banjo & vocals) shine with their rich and enveloping music. These musicians all have a national and international reputation.
In 2016, the first album of the duo Sophie & Fiachra with André Marchand, entitled Un Canadien errant, was hailed as “a striking musical experience” (Le Devoir). In 2018, the group dazzles with Portraits, “a work of art in itself” (Roots Music Canada), “a real treasure” (Folkword) unanimously applauded by critics. Both albums received a nomination at the ADISQ awards in the category “Album of the Year-Traditional”. The latest album Le bonhomme sept heures / The Bonesetter was launched in 2021 by this three-artist group, who henceforth bear the new name Grosse Isle. All three albums have been nominated in the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
The band name refers to the story of the mass arrival of the Irish in the 19th century, on Grosse Île in the St. Lawrence River, as they fled the Great Famine. It is a striking encounter between two peoples and two cultures.
Fusing Irish and Québécois repertoire with original compositions, Grosse Isle presents pieces from the album The Bonesetter as well as many surprises on stage! The harmonious blend of the two cultures, the authenticity and the immense talent of the artists give a sublime result! From laments to more rhythmic songs, the concert is varied and showcases the 1001 colors of the band.
In addition to performing at several traditional music festivals in Quebec, the musicians have also performed in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, France and of course, Ireland!
SOPHIE LAVOIE
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
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 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
« un super mariage de trad québécois et de musique irlandaise. Trio qui est composé de la musicienne Sophie Lavoie, qui vient du Lac-St-Jean, qui est une formidable violoneuse. »
Le 15-18, Radio-Canada (2021)
« Un trio dont le talent n’est plus à démontrer »
Le peuple Breton (2021)
« This album is nothing short of fantastic. It gives us history, tragedy and joy. It gives us the old and the new side by side, and it represents the musical best of two great cultures. »
Roots Music Canada, Canada (2021)
« This is another delightful album from the Quebec trio. I really like the freshness, musicality and fine production on this album and highly recommend you get hold of it, play it and enjoy the experience. »
The living tradition (2021)
« Grosse Isle pourrait bien devenir une référence en musique traditionnelle. »
C’est jamais pareil, Radio-Canada (2021)
« one of the most downright enjoyable albums to come this way for a considerable time »
fRoots, Royaume-Uni (2019)
« It is hard not to tap your foot to the music on the disc – an enjoyable listen ! »
The Fiddler Magazine, USA (2019)
« Portraits is a giant and beautiful listen that combines the best from the folk traditions of both Québec and Ireland. It is a work of art in itself »
Roots Music Canada (2019)
« Portraits is a hugely enjoyable collection, a real treasure for those with ecclectic taste. […] sweet and pleasant voice by Sophie Lavoie, who also storms through some impressive Irish and Québécois dance tunes on fiddle »
FolkWorld, Alex Monaghan (2019)
« A trio of Québec-based traditional musicians revel in one anothers’ exceptional talents »
Marc Bolduc, Penguin Eggs, Canada (2019)
« Really exceptional stuff »
Andy Nagy, Black Jack Davy Show, USA (2019)
« Absolutely amazing »
Radio Clare FM, Irlande (2018)
« this is pretty splendid stuff… …Lavoie’s vocal performance is especially impressive on the title-track »
Kevin Bourke, Songlines Magazine (2017)
« One of the rising stars of Québécois music »
Vic Smith(writing of Sophie), fRoots Magazine (2017)
« It’s refreshing to hear a traditional band reference the present with such subtlety and finesse. »
Siobhan Long, The Irish Times (2016) read article
« Le trio trad brille autant par l’intensité de son élan musical que par le raffinement de ses arrangements et de ses interprétations »
Louis Cornellier, La Devoir (2016) read article
