It’s been a decade since La Cuivraille formed in 2014 and then released their first album All Together a year later. Now, Tournivelle, the band’s second album is a very welcome project from these creative musicians who blend forceful brass,  swaying violin, cohesive bass, subtle percussion and smooth vocals to bring people together and get them dancing to a unique traditionally-based groove for this day and age. The result is a sensitive mix of both the delicate and robust to have a tantalizing modern, lively and accessible sonic impact.

Formed by violinist Gabriel Lenoir (with over 15 albums to his name), La Cuivraille has both one foot in the sounds of traditional French music and another in the energetic textures of groove, funk and reggae. Through a skillful blend of violin, vocals, a brass section (trumpet, trombone, saxophone), electric bass, and percussion, the group offers a modern, lively, and accessible sound that is both grounded and resolutely creative.

A professional musician since 2002, Gabriel Lenoir has trained in composition, arranging, violin, fiddle and musicology.  Over the years, he has explored several regional styles and collaborated with renowned French musicians.  As Artistic Director of the Compagnie Les Beaux Jours, numerous projects have explored the musician's dancing body and the creation of moving soundscapes.  With more than 15 albums to his name, Lenoir performs throughout Europe, both solo, in collaborations and with the groups Shillelagh (since 1999) and La Cuivraille (since 2014). Shilleleagh offers notable stylistic tunes from French Flanders (pieternelle, gavre, malinoise, valse adieu) and more generic dances from all regions of France (bourrées, cercles, waltzes, scottisches). We can hear some of the same influences from La Cuivraille.

Besides Gabriel Lenoir (composer, violin), La Cuivraille includes Maké Knockaert (trumpet, flugelhorn),  Florian Laihem (alto saxophone), Constant Sajaloli (trombone), Louis Descamps (bass), and Nicolas Painset (percussion). All members sing too. Guest artist, violinist Prune Lacante joins the group on track 13.

Tournivelle is just the project to launch this band on a new journey as they build an even great legion of fans around the world. Many bands strive for a delectable signature sound without straying too far from their traditional roots. One of my favorite is Le Vent du Nord, but I can now attest to the fact that La Cuivraille is ready for much great visibility abroad. It doesn’t seem that this was hastily done, and perhaps their creative vision and inspirations have evolved over the past decade. Music should be pleasurable, therapeutic, inspirational and inclusive. When you hear inviting, festive, friendly tracks like “Cap Gris Nez-The Gale,” you’ll understand why La Cuivraille’s passionate repertoire has the potential to take them far. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)