Sea Worthy

In old Québec, musical members of each extended family had toe-tapping signature songs they performed at marriages and christenings, solo and a cappella. Though those traditions faded in the era of radio, trio Serre l’Écoute keeps them alive with a sound that’s no less vibrant for the research it reflects. Folklorist and accordionist Robert Bouthillier passed his love of traditional tunes to his singer daughter Gabrielle, while fiddler Liette Remon comes from a renowned musical family on the rugged Gaspé Peninsula. Together the three harmonize on authentic maritime airs from Québec, Acadia, Brittany and even Guadeloupe — the group’s name literally means “tighten the jib.” Performing everything from saucy songs about cheating wives to poignant laments, they remind listeners what sailors came home for.