DOUAR NEVEZ

Born in 1949 as Daniel Le Bras,Dan Ar Braz is a French/Bretton guitarist,mostly known for his collaboration with Bretton Folk musician Alan Stivell,whose group he joined in late-60's.After spending eight years with Stivell,Dan Ar Braz moved to England and joined folk rockers Fairport Convention,with whom he spent a year in live performances,without recording any album though.In 1977 Dan returns to France and records his first solo output ''Douar Nevez'',material of which was written in England,while being a member of Fairport Convention.

With an all-star line-up featuring Benoit Widemann from Magma on pianos/organ/synths, Bretton musician Patrig Molard on flutes/bagpipes, bassist Dave Pegg from Fairport Convention and drummer Michel Santangeli from Malicorne,''Douar Nevez'' is a sweet journey into Acoustic Folk combined with OLDFIELD-ian electric compositions,creating dreamy soundscapes and often a cinematic nature.Dan Ar Braz'es unique style shines through,offering delicate acoustic crescendos and also electric outbursts,mixed either with Widemann pianos in a very Fusion-esque style or just delivering great chops in short tracks with organ and synths supporting.Yet the Bretton roots of the musician are always present,from the short instrumentals featuring Molard's grandiose bagpipes or elegant flutes to the acoustic passages with the atmospheric synths around.Definitely the album has a nice flow with a good alternation between mellow and more striking moments and Ar Braz being in a confident shape.

For those unmystified with the combination Folk and Rock music, ''Douar Nevez'' is a good introduction to the world of Contemporary Folk/Art Rock.Anyone into Alan Stivell's personal career should also approach,though this album has a more modern sound.Strongly recommended to all fans of good guitar-driven Art Rock musicianship...3.5 stars.