Erwan Menguy: Flute, Low Whistle, Bodhran
Erwan Berenguer: Guitar
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On the one hand, a flautist for whom respect for style and knowledge of the terroir are not empty words. Apprenticeship with renowned Breton soners has indeed enabled Erwan Menguy to acquire a requirement for phrasing that he easily transposes to new repertoires.
On the other, a guitarist whose talent as a melodist and arranger is regularly used by many renowned groups and artists.
They both talk about Irish music knowingly since it has fed their respective careers equally with Breton dance music for many years. Among other things, the duo introduces the compositions of Erwan Menguy, whose energy and style refer to musicians from Donegal and Roscommon. When these two friends play Irish music, they don't hide behind a repertoire, they assert all their originality.
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Composition and arrangements: Various artists. Arranged by: E. Berenguer/E. Menguy
Recorded at Kerguestenen studio in May 2015 by E.Berenguer/E.Menguy
Mixing: E. Berenguer / E. Menguy
Mastering: Ronan Cloarec Master Lab
Graphics and photos: Maria Menguy
Spring Days - DUO MENGUY BÉRENGUER - KR06
01 - The forgotten jig / John Kelly’s / Ardenza’s Storm
02 - Tourment / Maid in the meadow / Kilglass lakes
03 - Island of Woods
04 - Spring Days
05 - De mina / Gueamparana ca la nuta
06 - Peacefull protest / Out on the road / Eel under the rock
07 - Joe colley's morning due / The hut in the bog
08 - Melodie Féon
09 - A greiz Galon
10 - The yellow flowers / The green fields of pont carriou / J.brosna's / The road to lizelec'h / Amazing race
11 - Cailín na Gruaige Báine
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"The album begins with a guitar intro, solid chords and tunes that build the tension of the flute to bring the melody of The Forgotten Jig, an Erwan Menguy composition. It's evident, from the opening notes , that the flute playing is extraordinary, with fluttering breath tremors and passing nyah moments, the track kicks off on “John Kelly” and ends on jazzy “Adenza's Storm”, reminiscent of Brian Finnegan and Mike McGoldrick, modern masters; Erwan Menguy can hold his own with either one.
De Mina breathes oriental music, a pure flute solo, the call of a minaret, when the guitar arrives we are transported to the Balkans; It is the longest piece, the most complex which develops over more than 7 minutes. They return home to Brittany with “A Greiz Galon” opening on small guitar guitar solo notes before the usual hypnotic Breton dance takes us on a round of Fest noz.
The album closes with a slow Irish track “Cailin Na Griaige Baine”, an emotional ending to a very good album indeed. If you're a flute player, this is a record for your collection, it will challenge you on so many (good) levels." Sean Laffey, Irish Music Mag
"Also a bombarde and biniou player, it is as a flautist that Erwan Menguy appears here, and what a flautist! A very warm and fast, twirling wooden transverse flute, and an Iow whistle of the same ilk. Composer of the very beautiful titular track, he masterfully interprets some unexpected pieces like “Geamparalele”, with very expressive improvisations.
Erwan Bérenguer, on the acoustic guitar, became known in the group Spontus and is as comfortable in varied and effective accompaniments as in the melodies. Both already have a great experience in concert and in fest-noz, and this mixture of Irish, Breton and other tunes, composed or traditional, is a real treat. Marc Bauduin, Le Canard Folk
"Menguy - Bérenguer. The two Erwans in their thirties today are part of this generation that amazed us very early on. The first, at the biniou alongside Daniel Féon. The second as guitarist of Spontus. Since then, the two artists have musical adventures.
Here they are reunited for an Irish getaway. Menguy here plays the wooden crossbar, an instrument he discovered as a teenager and on which he developed a very personal style inspired by the musicians of Roscommon, the county from which the famous Malt Molloy comes. Particular sign: combines virtuosity and sensitivity. Qualities that he totally shares with Erwan Bérenguer, expert in the art of weaving sonorous lace with his strings." Ouest France