Chanter la Pomme — Alison Gowan and Jan LeClair

Chanter la Pomme, featuring Alison Gowan (QC) and Jan LeClair (ON), blends the drone-based timbres of hurdy gurdy and accordion to create dynamic interpretations of traditional and neo trad dance music and songs from Central Europe and beyond. Formerly members of Swamp Ward Orchestra, Jan and Alison draw on a wide variety of musical influences, from classical to Klezmer, and have performed on numerous stages of note including Calgary Folk Festival, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Lunenburg Folk Festival, Festival Chants de Vielles and Dance Flurry in New York.

“Chanter la pomme” is an old Quebecois expression, meaning to flirt or court someone. One theory about the etymology of the expression is that pomme was originally palm. When dancing together at a time when grand displays of public affection were eschewed, someone might exert subtle pressure on the hand of their dance partner to indicate their appreciation. Over time, palm transformed to the sweeter, tastier version.