Even though a number of the songs on the Dans Les Airs are ones that have been handed down to the group from previous generations, they sound as fresh and interesting as if they've been written this year. Of course, some of their material is original, "Petit Reve lll" for example, or traditional lyrics adapted to the new tune. "Les Larmes Aux Yeux" uses lyrics from a song that one of the band member's grandfather used to sing to him as a child and sets them to a tune of the band's composition in honour of one of their children finally falling asleep.
If you're like me and your French language skills are minimal to non-existent, the meaning of the lyrics are going to be lost on you, and your enjoyment will come from listening to the sound of the voices and the instruments working together to make music. In the past I think this has been why traditional Quebecois music, or any similar barn dance style music, has failed to sustain my interest; the lack of variety in tone. That's not the case with the music of Le Vent Du Nord as they not only create lovely vocal harmonies, but each song has it's own unique identity instead of being simply another reel that sounds like the previous reel.
Dans Les Airs by Le Vent Du Nord is a fine example of how traditional music does not need to be stuck in the past but can continue to grow and evolve. Traditions can be a trap that hold us in place if they refuse to change, but if every generation is allowed to breathe new life into them they are renewed and invigorated. Le Vent Du Nord is a north wind blowing new life into the traditional music of Quebec and keeping it alive for us to enjoy today
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