"Benoit's influence on Newfoundland folk music can't be understated. His capacity for writing tunes was nothing short of amazing"--Dirty Linen. Emile Benoit was born and raised in Black Duck Brook, on the Port-au-Port peninsula of Newfoundland. A many-sided man who listed fisherman, farmer, healer, dentist, part-time veterinarian, blacksmith, storyteller, raconteur, musician, and composer among his careers, Benoit began playing fiddle at age nine. Renowned for his joie de vivre, Benoit entertained audiences at many of Canada's major festivals. In later years, he toured with Figgy Duff and, fittingly, Viva la Rose was produced by Figgy Duff's founding members: Noel Dinn, Gary Furniss, and Pamela Morgan. This fine album is a tribute to the victory of spirit and music. Benoit has been inducted into the Porcupine Hall of Fame.

Viva la Rose *
1992 Amber Music (ACD 9014)

Christina's Dream/Tootsie Wootsie; Neil Murray's Dinner Jig/Go to the Cape Uncle Joe/Forgotten Note; Noel Dinn/Pamela's Lonely Nights; Vive la Rose; Waltz in the House; The Land We're Walking On; Skipper and Company/On the Road Again/Claudine; Festival Reel/Jeff's Tune/Meech Lake Breakdown/McCormack's Breakdown; Sally's Waltz/Wedding Waltz; Fight for Your Rights; Jerry's Red Mountain Jig/Le Papier `Le Gaboteur'; Lady Margaret; Brother's Farewell/Caribou Skin Nailed Around the Circle/Wayne and the Bear 40:39