THE tragic events of the Paris terror attacks added even more poignancy to the haunting music of French band, Astrakan Project. The duo of Simone Alves and Yann Gourvil paid tribute to the victims, before explaining their unique blend of traditional Breton folk music and Arabian instruments.

Simone sings in the beautiful Breton dialect of Brittany, which turns out to be closely related to Welsh and Cornish through a strong Celtic bond. Fortunately Simone and Yann took the time to explain the meanings behind the lyrics before each song, so the audience were also learning about Breton culture.

The whole experience was further intensified by talented multi-instrumentalist Yann Gourvil, who played a succession of guitars and Middle Eastern instruments such as the oud. With a laptop and guitar loop pedals, the swirling world music sounds were intense, gloriously strange and thoroughly irresistible.

Astrakan Project play a handful of UK dates this week, before an as yet uncertain date in Paris this Saturday.

Full credit to the Bournemouth Folk Club for bringing such an unexpected band to the venue and to Astrakan Project for delivering such a creative and highly original show. Special mention must also go to singer songwriter Catherine Burke who played a great set of her own bluegrass and folk influenced songs beforehand.

The next show at the venue is from folk legends Steve Tilston and Jez Lowe who appear this Sunday, (November 22). See bournemouthfolkclub.com