It’s time to get serious on the Francouvertes side who, at the end of the seven preliminary evenings, revealed late Wednesday the list of nine competitors who will advance to the semi-finals from April 18, still at the Lion d’Or. . General impressions of this top 9: the musicians occupy the top of the preliminary chart which, on the aesthetic level, is divided between rock song and pop with electronic and groovy tones. Let’s detail.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday’s programs propelled five of its nine competitors into the second round. Michaëlle Richer’s alt-rock song made such a good impression on the public-jury that it allowed her to take second place. The effective performance of the young house-pop duo Xela Edna & Eius Echo earned them a reassuring third position, while Charlotte Brousseau’s soaring folk song – we fell in love with the work of this singer-songwriter- performer from Quebec City — secured him a fifth place.
Last to perform in the evening last Wednesday, Innu singer-songwriter Dan-Georges Mckenzie offered his very first career concert in Montreal and, above all, he managed to share his pleasure of coming to sing for us, far from his North Coast. Like the group NINAN whose course at the Francouvertes unfortunately ended, Mckenzie and his musicians offered a repertoire between folk-pop and country rock that was warm and impeccably delivered. Accompanied by a superb orchestra enhanced by a player of pedal steelMckenzie sang with aplomb and bonhomie, earning her seventh position on the preliminary charts.
Arrived in eighth place at the end of these preliminaries, David Lagacé represents an exceptional case: the rock-pop singer-songwriter could become the first competitor to win the competition for the next generation twice since he was part of of the group La Famille Ouellette, winner of the 20th edition (ahead of Mon Doux Saigneur and Caltâr-Bateau) in 2016. In the process, the Family launched an album on Coyote Records in 2017.
Since we will have the opportunity to review the musicians named above, let’s focus instead on the latest competitors who, in recent days, have all offered valiant performances, some even having been able to sneak into the top 9. This is the case of Tamara Weber who, after having distinguished herself on the large-scale sets of The voice (here) and The Voice (in France), took place on the most modest stage of the Lion d’Or with his rock song tinged with folk and his good dose of experience. Musically, she does not leave the beaten track, but her distinct voice and her efficient pen will remain in our minds; his song I do not know what to say anymorereleased last summer on an EP titled Februarywill no doubt be considered for one of the many Francouvertes prizes.
Weber played on Monday, just after singer-songwriter Antoine Aspirine, also experienced in window competitions, his career having taken him to Petite-Vallée and Granby in recent years. With him, it’s all one or all the other: the classic French song, or the rock song a little more modern. A canyon between the two; we preferred it more toned than reverend with a slightly worn song, notwithstanding the quality of its lyrics.
The singer-songwriters Andy Jon (heard on Tuesday) and Gawbé (Wednesday) share a lot of musical points in common with Michaëlle Richer (Wednesday) who carved out a good place for herself on the charts, and both had rich qualities, starting with with great sincerity. Dipping his song into the keyboards, Andy Jon has an amber voice that gives authority to his lyrics, but his melodies lacked relief. Gawbé’s project, closer to a grunge sound (a bit like a paddling pool, well), was still green, but full of enthusiasm.
The semi-finals of these 26th Francouvertes will be held on April 18, 19 and 20, at the Lion d’Or. We’ll be there.