Claude Méthé
Instrument: Fiddle
Claude Méthé, is a self-taught fiddler, his style reflects most particularly the eighteen years he lived in the region of Lotbinière, Québec, on the south side of the St-Lawrence river not far from Québec City. Today, he resides in Ste-Béatrix, Québec, in the Lanaudière region, known worldwide as the epicenter of Québec trad music.
Claude is a former founding member of the nearly legendary Le Rêve du Diable, winner of a Felix for best traditional album in 1983, and a group often credited with singlehandedly reviving public interest in traditional Québécois music. The group’s original recordings have recently been rereleased and it is interesting to note that today, a whole new generation is once again making this « discovery »-in the form of old albums (33s) by Le Rève du Diable! In addition, Claude is a former member of Joséphine (Danielle Martineau), Québec groups Manigance and Entourloupe, and Vermont group Jeter le Pont. He currently performs with his band Dentdelion, trio Mil, as duo Ziggue with partner/musician Dana Whittle, with guy-group PiQbois and on occasion with much-loved group Ni Sarpe Ni Branche. He has performed all over Canada, in Europe and the U.S.
Claude can be heard on at least a dozen recordings, including the soundtrack of Oscar-winning film « CRAC » by Frédéric Back. Claude’s impressive repertoire of traditional songs contains gems from Manitoba, Ontario, Québec and the maritimes, sung in a voice both textured and sentimental.
Claude also enjoys teaching Québécois fiddle repertoire and songs, in workshops, festival settings, school and music camps. He has taught at Fiddle Tunes (WA), Ashokan music camp (NY), Goderich’s Celtic College (ON), Camp Violon Trad Québec (QC), Pinewoods (MA), AlgomaTrad (ON), (and NOW Maine Fiddle Camp (ME)).