A TOI ET CEUX

With the slick Elaine Morgan from Wales' answer to CLANNAD, ROSE AMONG THORNS on vocals on several tracks, and several languid instrumentals, this relatively recent effort by the Breton guitar master seems on paper like a cross between the worst of his 1980s new age efforts and the CORRS. Add in a collaboration with French pop superstar JEAN JACQUES GOLDMAN (of proggers TAI PHONG back in the day) and it doesn't bode well. Yet, one is compelled to listen between the straight lines of these constraints to appreciate the magically twisted trajectory that continues to represent DAN AR BRAZ.

If one is not paying enough attention, this might not resonate until the final triumph "Bretagnes", at which point one may return to other signposts - the instrumental prowess of "Les Tribus de Cornouaille", the romantic vision of "Je m'en vais demain" (sung by Goldman I believe), and the simple muse of "Mary's Dancing". He even reprises "Orgies Nocturne" which originally appeared on the excellent "Douar Nevez" from 1977, but sadly it seems a bit lost plucked out of context. In the end, even Morgan's contributions are not without their more whitewashed charms. While this one might be chiefly for fans, I don't think it is an automatic pass for others of sentimental ilk. 2.5 stars rounded up.