Red Cardell is one of the best known bands in Brittainy, France, where the traditional music, essentially celtic, remains an important part of popular culture. The band, comprising Jean Michel Moal(accordeon), Manu Masko(drums and samples) and Jean Pierre Riou (guitar and vocal) was formed in the town of Quimper in 1992.
The band’s original idea was to blend Breton music,Punk rock and French realistic songs, these being their early influences but other styles such as Electro, Eastern Europe, South American and North African eventually crept into the general sound.
Red Cardell, originally a “pub” band, have since developed into a concert band playing regularly on the biggest festivals. After playing more than 1500 concerts in France, Germany, Switzerland and Finland, among others and releasing 7 albums, the last entitled “Bal à l’Ouest”, Red Cardell are now firmly established.
The lyrics are the work of Jean Pierre Riou while the music is composed by the band. The words, poetic in nature, are very important. Jean Pierre originally worked in the English language but more recently began to write in French with the result that the current repertoire, being a mixture of old and new material, is in both languages. The accordeon is extremely important in the band sound. The band composes with an ear for traditional Breton music and dance enabling the dancers to dance to the rythm whilst enjoying the melodies. Jean Michel has developed his own sound on the accordeon making the band instantly recognizable to music critics. Manu, the drummer, through the use of samples and electronic effects, is able to mix styles such as Funk on a traditional dance or French java with a techno groove.
