b. Alan Cochevelou, 6 January 1944, Gourin, Brittany, France. The pioneer of modern Breton music, Cochevelou learned the piano before his father remade the ancient Breton Celtic harp for his young son to play. In addition to studying traditional Breton music on the wire-strung Celtic harp, Cochevelou explored the music of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the west country of England on tin whistle, bagpipes and Irish flute. He recorded some obscure sides for the Mouez Breiz label in the late 50s using his birth name, and also accompanied the chanteuse Andree Le Gouil. During the mid-60s he began singing for the first time and adopted the professional surname of Stivell, the Breton translation meaning fountain, spring or source.
In 1967, he formed a group comprising himself on harp, bagpipes, Irish flute and Dan Ar Bras on electric and acoustic guitar, as well as adding percussion and bass. Gabriel Yacoub, who went on to form Malicorne, also featured in this pioneering band. Several well received albums followed for Fontana Records, including Reflets and Renaissance De L'Harpe Celtique. By integrating rock elements in traditional numbers such as "She Moved Thro' The Fair", Stivell proved to be an important influence on the growing folk rock movement. From the mid-70s onwards he recorded as a solo artist, and put folk music in the UK charts for a while with a successful run of hits.
Stivell continues to appear at festivals throughout the world, while his recorded work has ranged from single harp acoustic sets to full blown folk rock outings, via eclectic world music/Celtic crossover outings that have attracted an increasing number of new age music followers.
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