Maxim Cormier is a solo guitarist, composer, producer and freelancing accompanist, currently based in Halifax. Cormier flatpicks Scottish fiddle tunes and composes his own contemporary music for fingerstyle guitar, piano and small ensembles. His father, Gervais Cormier, is also a musician and plays guitar and mandolin on some of the tracks on this self-titled album (“Fathers Know Best,” “Tunes with Dad,” “Hornpipes for Uncle Joe,” “Morisson’s”).
Cormier’s takes on traditional Scottish tunes, are inspired and breathe a new, modern life into something so traditional and culturally rich. They are blended together perfectly, with “Tunes with Dad” being a particular standout.
Cormier’s own compositions, while still most definitely Celtic in nature, sound more contemporary than the traditional tracks on the album. The contrast between the styles is very interesting and showcases a young artist who is capable of composing something which has one foot firmly in tradition, and the other in a more contemporary place. His flatpicking ability is incredible, and adds a unique spin on the more traditional folk tunes. It is also refreshing to hear fiddle tunes being played in this way – it really adds a new perspective, and makes the music more welcoming to those who perhaps would not normally listen to folk, particularly more traditional folk.
When combining his own original compositions with traditional songs within the same track, Cormier demonstrates just how versatile a musician, and how talented a composer he is. “Fathers Know Best” is a perfect example of what Cormier does so well; blending the old with the new and creating something which fans of both contemporary and traditional folk music can enjoy.
Maxim Cormier features Grammy Award winner Gordie Sampson on Rhodes and piano (on Cormier’s own composition: “Le Grand Boulanger de L’Est”), Scott Macmillan (additional guitar on “Fathers Know Best,” “Hornpipes for Uncle Joe”), Colin Grant (fiddle on “Fathers Know Best”, “Morisson’s”), Jason Roach (piano on “Fathers Know Best”, “Morisson’s”), Ben Marmen on cello (“Morisson’s”, “Big Sample’s Reel”) and Rankin MacInnes on electric bagpipes (“Big Sample’s Reel”, “Morisson’s”). Production on the record is well balanced and very clear, and deserves a definite nod of approval in the direction of Cormier himself, and Mark Shepherd.
All in all, Maxim Cormier is a stellar debut from a musician who is incredibly good at what he does. Anyone who is looking for a modern twist on traditional Celtic folk won’t be disappointed here.
