“All that emotion alone can do in music the Celt has done”… (Arnold).

Brittany, is much like Ireland & Scotland in nature and attitude and most definitively the music. An Erminig have passionately made it the love of their life to bring the Celtic music of Brittany to the remembrance of the modern age. An Erminig are in constant vigil to look for ancient songs and format them as only they can, remaining true to the Celtic roots.  This CD is one of four and is focused on the salty water (sea life).  The shanties and ballads are sung in the original Celtic language of Bretagne.  The instrumentals on this CD are exquisite in bringing the listener’s creativity and emotions to the fore front.  The musicians have with grace and love executed their talents and musical knowledge, to benefit us, as well as the people of Celtic Brittany.  The music perfected here is an absolute testament that music is the universal language.

The group consists of Barbara Gerdes, the artistic director (Celtic harp, Irish flute, bombarde, hurdy gurdy and mortars), Andreas Derow (Scottish bagpipes, violin, accordion vocals), Hans Martin Derow (12 & 6 string guitars, accordion, vocals), Thomas Doll (bass, violin, vocals), Amby Schillo (percussion).  Christoph Kleuser, (piano on Gourlen Du).

Gourlen has a full compliment of mariner shanties.  Ships lost, starvation, workers of the salt and sea, alas not to forget forlorn  love songs.  This is truly a CD of “folk songs” in the true Celtic form.

Gourlen exemplifies  creating and expressing musical emotion. I suggest pen and paper for this music opens the mind’s creative thought process.  Sorrow and Celtic pride that pass throughout the ages is musically exemplified in this CD.

Band: An Erminig
Album: Gourlen

Hometown: Brittany, France
Similar Artists: Moya Brennan, The Chieftains

In addition to writing for Marc Gunn’s Celtic Music Magazine, Mattie Dalton  is currently studying Irish folk harp and is an established guitarist, working on publishing and producing her own music.  Mattie is also a professional performer of Middle Eastern dance.