Emile Benoit (1913 - 1992) is widely recognized as one of Newfoundland’s foremost traditional music performers. A fiddler, storyteller and composer of music, this French Newfoundlander from Black Duck Brook on the Port aux Port Peninsula was a tremendous influence on the younger generation of musicians, many of whom continue to perform his unique music. Emile embraced the folk music revival in the 1970’s and he toured and performed with many of today’s players, most notably the world renowned Figgy Duff, with whom he recorded his 3rd album, Vive La Rose, currently available from Amber Music in Newfoundland.

Kelly Russell became a friend and close musical associate of Emile’s in 1976 has and made it his mission to preserve & promote this unique & important cultural/musical expression. To this end he not only has learned & transcribed (and performs) all of Emile’s repertoire but also produced Emile’s first 2 albums ; Emile’s Dream and It Comes from the Heart, released on LP in 1979 & 1982 by Kelly’s company, Pigeon Inlet Productions.

Music notation to all of Emile Benoit's original fiddle may be found in the book
Kelly Russell's Collection - The Fiddle Music of Newfoundland & Labrador.

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