E Koad Nizan

The first time I heard Jean-Michel it was live in a small hall in Montreal back in 1998, the year this album came out. He was accompanied by Yvon, of course. I got to speak a little with him after the concert and I found him to be a very kind and humble man.
I had been listening to Matt Molloy and other great flute players and I must admit that before hearing Veillon, Mollooy was the top player for me. But that changed that very same day. Veillon’s playing is so clean; each note is there and in tune. I’ve had a classical flautist from the Sherbrooke Symphonic Orchestra listen to both Veillon and Molloy and she was also mostly impressed by Veillon’s mastery.

A friend from Brittany told me a story:
Back in the days when Veillon played with - I believe it was - Kornog, he travelled frequently to Ireland and went looking for a flute in a specialized shop. The shop tenant thought he was just another tourist “looking up” to play like the real guys. But when Veillon took some flutes and tried them out, the guy fell on his chair in amazement, saying to all who were there that this was by far the best flute playing he had ever heard.
To set the records straight, just listen to track 14.

I wouldnt really compare the two as they are so different.

Maybe Veillon is technically better but personally I just dont like his music.

For me Molloy is the greatest as while he is probably the most technically advanced player in trad music, (as least was for years he was) you never get the idea he’s showing off, instead he just plays the music the way he feels it should be played and for me its amazing. 🙂

K

This recording has been unavailable for some time, but is now available as a double recording with his 2nd CD as an “iTunes” download - £9.99 for them both, 34 tracks.

Re comparing Matt Molloy and Jean-Michel. It’s a shame that some people are so locked into binary thinking. Great Minds Discuss Ideas, Average Minds Discuss Events … As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Small Minds Discuss People….” Honi soit….

The double album is on youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgKRCke8TyI

play video

I’m a new flute player and I am mesmerized by Jean-Michel’s playing. I nerd out on his videos on YouTube and draw inspiration from his playing. His tone is incredibly clean and pure he’s got his embouchure down I’d say. I’m glad I found this thread - this album is also really enjoyable. I love the intro in Larit-c’hwi din berjelenn (Dann’s plinn) when his flute subtly plays with the chirping birds and then builds. What does the song title mean - does anyone know?

I do not know why the name Yvon Rou was included above in the title of this recording, as the name does not appear anywhere in the sleeve notes I have just looked at, nor on the CD insert, nor as an accompanist. I have adjusted it.

I think re Yvon Riou, its a bit of confusion - he was on a more recent album with JM Veillon, I can’t remember the name but its really nice. Has a guy whistling a tune on it, …
looked it up. ‘Deus an Aod d’ar Menez.’ no wonder i couldn’t rememvber the name. great album tho.

The CD reissue lists Yvon Rieu amongst the backing musicians.

https://www.discogs.com/release/15883113-Jean-Michel-Veillon-E-Koad-Nizan/image/SW1hZ2U6NDg2NjI1MzQ=

Well that’s a bit of a mystery then. They can’t both be right, but maybe we can assume that the re-issue corrected an omission in the first release. In any case, both CD front covers only mention Jean-Michel Veillon, so the correction above should stand.

Of course.

Its a wierd consensus as to whether an album is ‘solo’ or a joint venture when the cast of musicians is small. Ultimately i guess it depends what the musicians decide. I’ve always considered E Koad Nizan and the other album Er Pasker to be ‘solo’ albums whatever that means, i had no idea who else was on it until now because i got them as digital albums and i never noticed the sleeve notes…

The first three tune on set number 14 are all versions of the same tune, “The Highlandman that kissed his Grannie”; as a hornpipe (laride?), jig and the more normal reel.