Vive La Rose is a collection of French music that has been intermixed with Scottish traditions and styles. Emile Benoit, a Newfoundlander who has celebrated his 40th 39th birthday, admits he could not remember the true name of some of the tunes. When he could not remember the name, he simply gave it a name of someone or something it reminded him of. He says that is, after all, how the oral tradition works. (I am not sure that reading the inside of the cover is not the best part of this CD. This man is hilarious! His major concern in life is what to do with his hair. Buy this CD just so you can read the biography and statements of the artist -- it is worth the cost of the CD just for the cover!) Benoit's music ranges from a slow waltz in the traditional French style to fast jigs that seem totally Scottish. Some are instrumentals while others have vocals and a few are actual songs. The band comes together wonderfully and does a fantastic job of harmony and backup. The music is beautiful and great for dancing. Besides Benoit (fiddle, vocals, feet), the band features Pamela Morgan (background vocals, acoustic guitar, synthesizer, tin whistles), Noel Dinn (bodran, background vocals), Kelly Russell (bouzouki, mandolin, mountain dulcimer), Christina Smith (supporting fiddle, ciolin, cello), Sandy Morris (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, dobro), Rob Laidlaw (bass guitar), Frank Maher (button accordian), Jeff Panting (piano accordian) and Roy O'Brien Jr. (jews harp). I really respect what Emile Benoit is doing and I only hope that I will still have the heart to sing and dance when I reach my "40th 39th" birthday. I think it is wonderful that he is trying to preserve some of the musical traditions of his time. The music on this CD is just great! - Rambles written by Alicia Karen Elkins published 17 May 2003 'A charming assortment of mostly original tunes. Benoit is a true master.' Sing Out Magazine, USA 'A Canadian Classic' Peter Gzowski CBC Radio, Canada