Andrew Lawrence-King, The Harp Consort, Clara Sanabras, Paul Hillier - Les Travailleurs de la mer (2006)

This is an album of songs from Guernsey, an island off Cornwall but much closer to Normandy, and the music is as odd and captivating as the particular brand of French in which it is sung. The music, even to a not-particularly-sophisticated ear, seems a combination of Celtic twang and French charm, with unexpected springs of rhythm amidst melodies that are as graceful as swans. One might call it folk music and I guess that's correct, but with the use of baroque guitars, shawms, cornetto and, of course, the medieval harp--the instrument of Andrew Lawrence-King (who put the program together and is from Guernsey)--among others, the "classical" side of this project is just as crucial: it's a perfect union. Some of the texts are ribald, most tell stories. Paul Hillier's fine baritone occasionally comes close to a type of Sprechstimme, but it seems just right for these ballads, some ancient, some not-so. Soprano Clara Sanabras is from Normandy, and her seemingly untrained sound and approach are, by turns, earthy and tender enough for this music as well; she also plays guitar. The other players are superb: just give a listen to the hurdy-gurdy ("chifournie," in French, and also played by Lawrence-King). Victor Hugo lived on Guernsey for a while, and the CD's title comes from one of his novels. This music is presented with no affectations; as unusual as it is, the listener feels instantly at home with the wondrous sounds. Not just for early music fans, this is a piece of musical tourism. -- Robert Levine