By Lauren Root – Staff Writer
On Nov. 8, the music department hosted their 4th concert in the Musique Chez Nous series which welcomed “Small World Project” to Bandeen Hall. The trio, composed of Sébastien Dufour, Patrick Graham and Frédéric Samson, performed many of their original songs to a crowd composed of Sherbrooke locals and Bishop’s students.
This accomplished group are the winners of the Opus Award for Concert of the Year – Jazz and World Music, as well as the Radio-Canada Étoiles Galaxie Award. “Small World Project” is not only well known in Quebec, but they have also performed at many festivals such as: the New York Ukulele Festival, the Tahiti Guitar Festival, the Zacatecas Cultural Festival in Mexico, the Bayeux Guitar Festival in France, as well as the Guelph Jazz Festival.
For the latest edition of this series, the “Small World Project” made the trip from Montreal to Sherbrooke. SWP began playing together in 2008, with an emphasis on making music surrounding pocket instruments, mini percussion and double bass. They played a variety of songs, all of which placed emphasis on their instrumental abilities rather than vocals, which captivated the audience. SWP played many different types of songs with instruments I’d never seen or heard before. They masterfully handle over 20 instruments during their performances, showcasing incredible displays of skill. Some of their instruments include the ukulele, banjolele, toy piano, chimes and musical boxes. “Small World Project” focuses on acoustic music, meaning they often play without the use of amplifiers.
The band’s first two albums feature joyous music that follows a mixture of critically acclaimed styles. Their third project titled “Les Mille et une nuits – Ciné-concert”, is a unique and cinematic experience which involves the group’s live performance of an original score for the silent animated film Les Aventures du Prince Ahmed. Last November, “Small World Project” released Macroscope, which mixes jazz, world traditions, classical, soaring, minimalist and progressive rock. Their unique sound and instruments were enticing to watch, with the skill used to play the instruments being borderline mystical.
The Musique Chez Nous series is organized by Bishop’s students and the music department, which is intended to attract all sorts of musicians, whether they be local, visiting or faculty members. Musique Chez Nous is designed to appeal to all musical tastes and genres, with the intention of providing Bishop’s students and local community members with access to different types of music. Bishop’s students have free entry with a valid student ID with the guarantee of hearing sensational bands performing right on campus.
The Campus 