New Acadian supergroup Patouche Collective (Maxim Cormier guitar, Gervais Cormier guitar and harmonica, Malcolm MacNeil fiddle, Ben Smith fiddle, Amelia Parker fiddle and Ed Wordsworth bass) gather to celebrate the release of their new eponymous album at The Carleton on Sunday, August 23ed. Show time is 7 PM and tickets are only $20 + HST
Patouche Collective is a Cape Breton-based ensemble rooted in the long-standing musical partnership of award-winning guitarist and composer Maxim Cormier and his father, Gervais Cormier. After years of performing, arranging, and exploring traditional music together, they have expanded that collaboration into a dynamic collective of musicians deeply connected to the rich musical traditions of Cape Breton.
Their debut self-titled album, set for release in August 2026, reflects both a deep respect for tradition and a desire to explore new possibilities within it. Blending fiddle-driven repertoire with innovative guitar and bass arrangements, the project reimagines familiar tunes through a fresh musical lens. Moving beyond the piano-led accompaniment often associated with Cape Breton music, Patouche Collective creates a more fluid and expansive interplay between melody, rhythm, and improvisation.
The result is a sound that is both grounded and forward-looking, honouring the repertoire while reshaping how it is experienced. Drawing from Scottish, Acadian, and other influences that have become woven into the shared musical fabric of Cape Breton, the group celebrates a tradition that continues to evolve through the people and communities who carry it forward.
“We’ve been playing these tunes for years, but it felt like the right time to build something bigger – something that reflects the full energy of the music and the people around it.” – Maxim Cormier
The name Patouche carries its own connection to Cape Breton history and family heritage. Derived from the nickname of Maxim’s great-great-grandmother, Elizabeth Muise, the name reflects a tradition of identifying family lineage that remains deeply rooted in the Acadian community of Chéticamp. It serves as a reminder of the generations of music, stories, and relationships that continue to shape the project today.
With a focus on live performance, Patouche Collective brings audiences into the heart of Cape Breton’s evolving traditional music scene – celebrating connection, collaboration, and the enduring power of shared musical experiences.