Archives #1

This is the first of a 3 CDs set recorded in Carignan’s house in 1976.

See Archives #2 for more info.

https://thesession.org/recordings/2305

Submitted on January 2nd 2007 by ceolachan.
https://thesession.org/recordings/2325

This master fiddler (violoneux en francais) had astounding speed, articulation and drive, much of which would be most appreciated by other fiddlers, who realize what prodigious technique he had. Lots of Irish, Scottish and Quebecois music joyously delivered for all to hear. A pleasure. Ottawa fiddle-maestro Denis Lanctot is the closest I’ve ever heard to anyone matching his technique, drive and mastery of the instrument.

I love this three-disc set. It seems quite oblique, looking back, but Carignan was my way into ITM back in around 2011/12; though my tastes are now inclined to a more ‘typical’ Irish style, I’ve lost no love for Carignan’s dazzling virtuosity, unique approach and creativity. You have to respect him for those things!

This disc set was a real find when I was at the stage of devouring all the recordings of Carignan that I could access. I had to wait for a reasonably priced copy to appear online, but it was worth the wait; compared to the many lower-quality recordings of Carignan, and some unusual collaborations, this is such a crystal-clear record of his playing, produced to wonderful high standards and extensive enough to give you a broad slice of his enormous repertoire. Gilles Losier is a superb accompanist on discs one and two but it’s fantastic also to have nearly an hour of solo stuff on disc three. I’m listening today for the first time in ages and it’s really nostalgic, reminding me of how gripped I was by Carignan all those years ago!

Added ‘The Clogger’s Quilt’ to track 5 - it’s not listed in the CD liner notes, but it’s there!