Sometimes, music just grabs you. There is no explanation for the hold it takes on your heart and spirit. This is how it was for me when I first heard the music of Brittany. Simple and complete capture.

Living in the Pacific Northwest, a place more famous musically for Folk Punk (think banjos and tatoos) and Grunge Guitar, exploring Breton traditional music required creativity and tenacity. Before a wealth of obscure musical subcultures were readily accessible on YouTube and iTunes, I was given what felt like an archaeological mission to delve into used vinyl record stores and small-venue concerts. I unearthed albums by Malicorne, Alan Stivell, and the trio Bourdin-Marchand-Dautel. I received cassette tapes, copies of copies from people who had recorded the Breton Fest Noz years ago on a visit. An over-photocopied tune collection hand-written by Patrick Sicard somehow made it into my hands. I was even lucky enough to be introduced to Christian LeMaitre by Kevin Burke after a Celtic Fiddle Festival con