thumb|Fiddler (André Brunet) and dancer (Sandy Silva) during a performance at the 2006 [[Festival International|Festival International de Louisiane.]]

La Bottine Souriante (LBS) is a folk band from Canada. The band specializes in traditional Québécois music, often with a modern twist.

Formed in 1976 by Yves Lambert, Andre Marchand, and Mario Forest, they have toured extensively through Europe and North America. In 1990, the band integrated a four-piece horn section with traditional instruments, such as the accordion, fiddle, guitar, piano and double bass, in order to add an element of jazz to their music. In 1998, they contributed a song to the Canadian Celtic music compilation album by The Chieftains, Fire in the Kitchen.

The group's name means "the smiling boot", which refers to the appearance of a work boot with worn-out soles.

Members

The line-up for LBS has changed numerous times (which is not unusual for folk groups), and its sound has evolved accordingly. The band started out with a very French Canadian feel with guitar, accordion and fiddle, but has expanded to include other styles and instruments. Although all of the founders have left the group, LBS continues to perform, and a new wave of young musicians joined the group in 2002.

LBS's current line-up is:

  • Éric Beaudry (podorythmie, guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, (solo) vocals) 2002–
  • David Boulanger (violin, podorythmie, percussion, vocals) 2007–
  • Robert "Bob" Ellis (bass trombone, tuba, percussion) 1990–
  • Jean Fréchette (saxophone, flute, penny whistle, clarinet, percussion, vocals) 1990–
  • Jean-François Gagnon-Branchaud (violin, (solo) vocals, podorythmie, guitar, mandolin) 2011–
  • Mathieu Gagné (electric bass, acoustic bass guitar) 2022–
  • Jocelyn Lapointe (trumpet, flugelhorn) 1993–
  • Olivier Salazar (keyboards, piano) 2022–
  • Sandy Silva (percussive dance) 1998–
  • Timi Turmel (accordion, vocals) 2023–
  • André Verreault (trombone) 1990–

Past members include:

  • (accordion, jaw harp, harmonica, melodeon, (solo) vocals) 1976-2002 (founding member)
  • (guitar, feet, (solo) vocals) 1976–1990 (founding member)
  • Mario Forest (spoons, harmonica, vocals) 1976–1979, 1980–1984 (founding member) (deceased)
  • Gilles Cantin (guitar, feet, (solo) vocals) 1977–1981 (deceased)
  • Jacques Landry (bones, bodhrán, fiddle) 1977
  • Pierre Laporte (fiddle, (solo) vocals) 1977–1981
  • Lisa Ornstein (piano, fiddle) 1979
  • Guy Bouchard (spoons, guitar, fiddle, vocals) 1980
  • Martin Racine (guitar, mandolin, feet, fiddle, vocals) 1980–1997
  • Daniel Roy (flageolet, jaw harp, bones, bodhrán, (solo) vocals) 1982–1985
  • Bernard Simard (guitar, (solo) vocals) 1984–1986
  • Michel Bordeleau (snare drum, guitar, mandolin, feet, fiddle, (solo) vocals) 1987–2002
  • Régent Archambault (double bass, electric bass, vocals) 1988–2008
  • Denis Fréchette (piano accordion, flugelhorn, piano, trumpet, vocals) 1988–1999 (deceased)
  • Laflèche Doré (flugelhorn, trumpet) 1990–1993 (deceased)
  • André Brunet (violin, guitar, vocals, podorythmie, percussion) 1997–2006
  • Pierre "Pedro" Bélisle (keyboards, piano accordion, piano, trumpet) 2000–2021
  • Pierre-Luc Dupuis (vocals, accordion, harmonica) 2002–2008
  • François Marion (electric bass, acoustic bass guitar)2009–2022
  • Benoît Bourque (accordion, bones, podorythmie, vocals) 2009–2022
  • Louis-Simon Lemieux (vocals, accordion, harmonica, podorythmie) 2013–2023 (alternating)

Guest players

  • Dominique D'Haiti (fiddle) on Je voudrais changer de chapeau
  • Ron di Lauro (trumpet, flugelhorn) on La Mistrine
  • Michel Dupire (percussion) on La Mistrine
  • Jacques Landry (bodhrán, bones) on La traverse de l'Atlantique
  • Danielle Martineau (piano) on La traverse de l'Atlantique
  • Dominique Messier (drums) on La Mistrine
  • Lisa Ornstein (fiddle, piano) on Les Épousailles, Chic & Swell and Je voudrais changer de chapeau
  • Anne Perrot (cello) on Je voudrais changer de chapeau
  • Daniel Plamondon (viola) on Je voudrais changer de chapeau
  • Daniel Roy (spoon) (bones) on Les Épousailles

Discography

;Albums

  • Y'a ben du changement (1978) – (Gold)
  • Les Épousailles (1980)
  • Chic 'n Swell (1982)
  • La Traversée de l'Atlantique (1986)
  • ' (1987) – (Platinum) They are known for their high energy live performances and in 2000 were voted Best Live Act at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. BBC Radio 3 has also played their music in mainstream programmes.

See also

  • Music of Canada
  • Music of Quebec
  • List of bands from Canada

References

  • La Bottine Souriante Official web site
  • Fan site – with details of lineup and pictures – in French
  • Detailed discography – with some sound samples
  • Song Lyrics - many complete album lyrics