A postmodern technotrad jam session


Explosive mix of infectious rhythms and of rigodon rhymes, their music shatters conventions and conjugates the familiar sound of traditional celebrations in the present tense. The result is fresh, energetic and young... many times over! This playful interpretation of good old folk music accompanied by urban rhythms renders the music of our ancestors contemporary, instantly creating the impression that the singer and excellent dancer, Michel Bénac and the fiddle and multiple instrument player, Jean-Philippe Goulet are there with you and will have you swinging through the night.


The Genesis of Swingmania


Swing took the world by surprise in 1999 with the song La chanson s@crée, the first album from Michel Bénac and Bobby Lalonde (Garolou), featuring the now mythical Un bon matin and Vasectomie de la vie. In this album, Bobby favoured traditional music whereas Michel is more particularly interested in American pop (hip-hop and techno). Entirely composed of original material, the album presents ten or so titles, each livelier than the next, sometimes inspired by purely traditional music. The clip titled Ça va brasser was broadcast by Musique Plus for quite some time. Several cuts from the album were played by various radio stations throughout the country, some having even reached the top of the charts.


In 2001, Swing is the overall winner at the very first Gala de la chanson et de la musique franco ontariennes, with no less than four Trille Or Awards: Best song (Un bon matin), Best new performer, Best Concert Performance and Best Producer.


In 2002, Swing is nominated for a Gemini Award (Best performance or Guest in a variety program or series) for their participation in the spotlight show Thrill on the Hill, broadcast live across Canada from Parliament Hill on July 1st, 2001.


New way to go for a renewed Swing


Four years later, the group has evolved: Bobby Lalonde hands the bow over to Jean-Philippe Goulet in the framework of an electrifying show held in June 2002, which ends with the now quite famous last words: -"Ça va brasser!" (We’re going to rock the house!). The complicity between Bénac and Goulet is instantaneous, their synergy ignites sparks and the group’s bubbling creativity is stronger than ever. The new, revitalized Swing gives performances and rocks the house at the Festival franco ontarien and at the Festival acadien de Caraquet (both these shows are recorded by the SRC (French CBC).


In the spring of 2003, a second album, titled La vie comme ça, is released. The first cut takes an enviable position in radio stations across Canada. "Édith" will have many dancing throughout the summer of 2003. The album’s title song La vie comme ça is played by radio stations in the fall. The album is just as successful as the first. This is followed by the group’s participation in shows such as Le Garage, Belle et Bum, Palmarès as well as the Telethon for research into children’s diseases.


The year 2004 starts off on the right foot. Swing records 2 songs on chansons sur l’album compilation of the 50th anniversary of the Québec Carnival, including the title piece: Carnaval, mardi gras, Carnaval. By popular demand, Swing will take part in the closing ceremonies of the Carnaval. In March of 2004, the adventure continues with a tour of Eastern Europe. Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania get acquainted with this joyous duo. Back in Canada on June 24, the group is invited to launch the festivities of the Quebecers’ Fête nationale in Montréal at parc Maisonneuve. Giving a one-hour performance to warm up the crowd estimated at over 100,000, the group also performed one of their songs during the main show, which was televised. The summer of 2004 is marked by more than thirty shows throughout the country. "Au nom du père et du fils et du set carré", a new cut from the album, is released to the radio stations and is accompanied by a video directed by François Blouin, known for his work with Daniel Boucher and Arianne Mofat. Swing’s year comes to an end with a nomination at the Gala de l’ADISQ in the category album of the year – Traditional


In March 2005, Swing is chosen to represent french Canada in latin America (Colombia, Ecuator, Panama) tour during “la semaine de la francophonie”. Apon their return to Canada the boys were honored at the Trille Or awards ceremonies where they received three trophies; Best Group, Best Performance/Show and Best Music Video


It is a rejuvenated Swing, a group that has gathered speed and scope, which takes the music scene around the world by storm. Evidently, Swing is truly burning with zeal.