Malicorne

Malicorne formed in 1973 in Auvergne, a region with Celtic and Occitan traditions. Gabriel Yacoub led the group, which included members like Laurent Vercambre on hurdy-gurdy and Hughes de Courson on bass. They worked with poet Michel Rivat on lyrics that often dealt with medieval themes and rural life.

Their approach involved taking older folk melodies and arranging them with electric instruments like guitars and synthesizers. This mix of traditional material with contemporary sounds drew some criticism from purists, but it also found an audience. Songs like "Les Tristes Noces" and "Alexandre" show how they handled these older forms.

One of their best-known pieces is "Noël Est Arrivé," a Christmas song that became part of seasonal playlists in France. They released several albums in the 1970s and early 1980s, including Almanach in 1974 and Pierre de Grenoble in 1976.

Malicorne's recordings have remained in circulation, and their way of updating folk material has influenced later musicians working in similar areas.