Maison de Pierres: Confiné Aux Voyages

Atmospheric, exploratory and stark, Maison de Pierres is the second release in a trilogy of recordings by Le Vent du Nord founder and lead singer Nicolas Boulerice. The traditional laments/soundscapes are underpinned by Frédéric Samson's double bass – plus geese, water running and horses, among other field recordings made in St-Antoine-sur-Richelieu in southwestern Québec. The overall effect is of a beautiful but sombre landscape, lightened somewhat by Boulerice's rich, warm voice and its interplay with Samson's deft bass.

While there are also contributions by Olivier Demers on violin and singer Geneviève Nadeau, at its heart this recording is a conversation between voice and bass, reflecting the 30-year friendship between Boulerice and Samson. Recorded at the church of Saint-Antoine-sur-Richelieu with engineer Charles-Émile Beaudin (La Voix, Céline Dion, Montréal Symphony Orchestra) the cumulative effect is of isolated time and place – a journey undertaken at home.