Yann Tiersen
Les Retrouvailles

THE REVIEW

The desire to escape for a moment, to detach thoughts from a harsh and unjust reality that highlights images of a world that seems to be losing its will to smile, its will to love.
A getaway far from here, far from now, in search of a corner of serenity that, I know, may be distant, but it must exist.

In that corner of Brittany called Brest, Yann Tiersen arranged a gathering with some friends, Les Retrouvailles indeed, to welcome us into a world where time seems to have stopped, where silence and poetry seem to be the only companions for a brief stay.
An immense countryside unfolds before our eyes; the piano, the strings, and the chimes of the opening "Western" are enough to start breathing the crisp air of a time marked by agrarian work in the fields. Yann's traveling companions do not delay in welcoming us; hidden among delicate arpeggios, we are greeted by an angelic Liz Fraser, a splendid performer in "Kala" and "Mary", rendered almost fairytale-like by the voice of the former Cocteau Twins.
A climb made of delicate piano touches leads us to "Plus D'hiver"; the atmosphere grows sadder and in the winter chill it is the voice of Jane Birkin that warms the souls.
"Le Jour De L'Ouverture" is a story of love and hope that Dominique A embellishes with his French that is like honey on violin strings. This is a "Secret Place", Stuart A. Staple of Tindersticks reminds us with a voice laden with nostalgia, the voice of one who knows that unfortunately this is just a corner of a world that we wish were different from how it has been drawn.

The moments alternate like the days in the countryside that pass slowly and melancholically; delicate piano compositions are the companions of humid and rainy afternoons, but there's also room for a Sunday excursion characterized by a more festive atmosphere, among strings, accordions, and guitars that weave into a continuous folk dance.
Bring some warm clothes if you plan on coming; it’s already autumn here.