A real freshness with a new generation of artists

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Reinvention of chanson is the great gift offered by Pierre Lapointe, making his eighth consecutive appearance at Les Francos with two shows - one with his band (at Club Soda), marking the end of the Sentiments Humaines tours that started at last year's festival, the other kicking off a solo piano tour (at Théâtre Maisonneuve).

Lapointe's presence at the Francos corresponds with the explosion of talent in Montreal. Call it the "Lapointe effect," including his famous plea, at an ADISQ Awards ceremony a few years back, urging radio programmers to start playlisting acts like Malajube. This year he's championing the local group Random Recipe, already creating a buzz in France. "When Pierre makes suggestions, I listen," says Saulnier. "I've seen him scoping out many local shows, and he's ahead of virtually everybody else in this regard."

Says Lapointe: "I've sensed a real freshness with a new generation of artists, such as Coeur de Pirate, La Patère Rose and Marie-Pierre Arthur. For example, Random Recipe sings in French, Spanish, Italian with an acoustic kind of hip-hop. For me personally, it's very stimulating to have all these contrasting artists. They push me to go farther."

Extract from : "FrancoFolies: A unique showcase for 'la différence' " By Juan Rodriguez, Special to the Gazette June 4, 2010