THE LISTINGS BELOW ARE
UNDER DEVELOPMENT
When I first got interested listening to Cajun, Creole and Zydeco music, I was overwhelmed by all the choices and unfamiliar names. Below are my choices for CDs to start building your own music library.
This is a selective listing...just one person's opinion (mine!))
Click to open:
When I first got interested listening to Cajun, Creole and Zydeco music, I was overwhelmed by all the choices and unfamiliar names. Below are my choices for CDs to start building your own music library.
This is a selective listing...just one person's opinion (mine!))
Click to open:
Cajun & Creole Roots
Cajun
and Creole Roots
Amedie Ardoin
Cajun and Zydeco music would not be what it is today with Amede Ardoin.. He was Creole-French speaking black man from Eunice, Louisana who, despite the strict segregation of the time, played for both white and black audiences during the 1920-30's sometines performing whole dances alone, or with the rhythmic aid of only one back-up fiddle. He performed and made historic recording with Cajun fiddler, Dennis McGee. His enormous popularity was not without problems, however, and on the way home from a dance one night, Amede was tragically beaten by two men for accepting a handerchief from a white woman to mop his brow with at the dance. His mind was never the same after that and he died in an asylum. His legacy lives on, however, in classic recording from the 20's and 30s, the enormous influence he had on Cajun, Creole and zydeco music.
● I'm Never Comin' Back Arhoolie 7007
Bois Sec Ardoin
The cousin of Amede Ardoin, Bois Sec plays accordian in the French Creole style. Bois Sec, along with Cajun fiddler, Dewey Balfa, formed a strong relationship based on their shared dedication to keeping the French music of their heritage alive. He also formed a 50 year partnership with legendary fiddler, Canray Fontenot.
● Allons Danser Rounder 3719 (with Balfa Toujours, 1998 - classic Bois Sec with contemporary instrumentation)
● La Musique Creole, Arhoolie 445 (recordings from the 60s and early 70s with Canray Fonenot)
Dennis McGee
Iry LeJuene
When I was taking a swamp tour out of Henderson, I got to talking with the guide about Cajun music. He said there was no one who could get folks going like Iry LeJeune. LeJeune was heavily influenced by Creole accordianist, Amede Ardoin, as well as Amede Breaux. He was a virtuoso on the accordian, and had a soulful singing style.
● Iry LeJeune, The Definitive Collection, Ace Goldband CDCHD 428
Lawrence Walker
Amedie Ardoin
Cajun and Zydeco music would not be what it is today with Amede Ardoin.. He was Creole-French speaking black man from Eunice, Louisana who, despite the strict segregation of the time, played for both white and black audiences during the 1920-30's sometines performing whole dances alone, or with the rhythmic aid of only one back-up fiddle. He performed and made historic recording with Cajun fiddler, Dennis McGee. His enormous popularity was not without problems, however, and on the way home from a dance one night, Amede was tragically beaten by two men for accepting a handerchief from a white woman to mop his brow with at the dance. His mind was never the same after that and he died in an asylum. His legacy lives on, however, in classic recording from the 20's and 30s, the enormous influence he had on Cajun, Creole and zydeco music.
● I'm Never Comin' Back Arhoolie 7007
Bois Sec Ardoin
The cousin of Amede Ardoin, Bois Sec plays accordian in the French Creole style. Bois Sec, along with Cajun fiddler, Dewey Balfa, formed a strong relationship based on their shared dedication to keeping the French music of their heritage alive. He also formed a 50 year partnership with legendary fiddler, Canray Fontenot.
● Allons Danser Rounder 3719 (with Balfa Toujours, 1998 - classic Bois Sec with contemporary instrumentation)
● La Musique Creole, Arhoolie 445 (recordings from the 60s and early 70s with Canray Fonenot)
Dennis McGee
Iry LeJuene
When I was taking a swamp tour out of Henderson, I got to talking with the guide about Cajun music. He said there was no one who could get folks going like Iry LeJeune. LeJeune was heavily influenced by Creole accordianist, Amede Ardoin, as well as Amede Breaux. He was a virtuoso on the accordian, and had a soulful singing style.
● Iry LeJeune, The Definitive Collection, Ace Goldband CDCHD 428
Lawrence Walker
Cajun
Cajun
BeauSoleil
Founded in mid-1970s, fiddler and folklorist Michael Doucet and BeauSoleil helped spark the resurgence of Cajun/Zydeco music. From playing once a week at Mulate's Cajun Restaurant in Breaux Bridge, LA, the band has gone on to tour the world, appear regularly on A Prairie Home Companion, provide music for the movies Belizaire the Cajun & The Big Easy and record both traditional and progressive versions of the Cajun/Zydeco repertoire.
● Bayou Boogie Rounder CD 601
● Live! From the Left Coast Rounder CD 6035 (recorded at Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, 1989)
Balfa Toujours
Traditional Cajun music from the daughter of Dewey Balfa along with accordianist Dirk Powell, fiddler Kevin Wimmer & drummer Mike Chapman.
● Deaux Voyages, Rounder.
● La Pointe, Rounder
File
Named for the ground sassafras that thickens a native Louisiana gumbo, Filé combines the most powerful elements of the bayou state's musical legacies. Anchored by Ward Lormand's Cajun accordion playing and D'Jalma Garnier's Creole fiddling, the band unites four vocalists to perform songs from across the Cajun, Creole and swamp pop spectrum. Pianist David Egan, the only instrumentalist of his kind in Cajun music, is one of the group's three songwriters. His work has been covered by John Mayall, Maura O'Connell, Percy Sledge and Joe Cocker. The crackling drums of Pete Stevens and the agile bass work of Kevin Shearin complete the ensemble, a band dedicated to dancers for over a decade.
● La Vie Maroon Green Linnet
Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys
Accordionist Steve Riley started singing French songs at three and picked up the accordion at seven. Steve and the Mamou Playboy's high energy music innovates within the Cajun tradition, marrying rocking dance rhythms to their acoustic heritage.
● Trace of Time Rounder CD 6053
● Friday at Last! Swallow
● Live! Rounder CD 6058
● Bon Reve. Rounder
Horace Trahan
20 year old Trahan represents the next generation of Cajun musicians. His debut recording is compelling, within the traditional Cajun style.
● Ossum Blues Swallow 6134
The Touchet Family
The Touchet Brothers played house dances in South Louisiana during the 1940s. and since then various members of the family have been playing in this band as the decades rolled by
.
● The Best Recordings of The Touchet Family.(Swallow) There are some wonderful songs on this CD including "The Life I Thought I Wanted" and one of the best renditions of the "Ossun Two-Step" I have heard. Here the simple elegance of what sounds like hand-clapping accents the accordion at the opening of the song, then the rest of the band kicks in, and later, the band stands down to let the clapping/accordian segment repeat itself to breathtaking effectiveness. There is some fine steel-guitar playing on this track as well.
Al Berard & Karen England
● Feet Off the Ground. Two fiddlers playing old style Cajun-Creole songs, this evocative CD is absolutely captivating. Go ahead, put this on your player, close yours eyes and imagine you are driving through the backroads of SW Louisiana.
BeauSoleil
Founded in mid-1970s, fiddler and folklorist Michael Doucet and BeauSoleil helped spark the resurgence of Cajun/Zydeco music. From playing once a week at Mulate's Cajun Restaurant in Breaux Bridge, LA, the band has gone on to tour the world, appear regularly on A Prairie Home Companion, provide music for the movies Belizaire the Cajun & The Big Easy and record both traditional and progressive versions of the Cajun/Zydeco repertoire.
● Bayou Boogie Rounder CD 601
● Live! From the Left Coast Rounder CD 6035 (recorded at Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, 1989)
Balfa Toujours
Traditional Cajun music from the daughter of Dewey Balfa along with accordianist Dirk Powell, fiddler Kevin Wimmer & drummer Mike Chapman.
● Deaux Voyages, Rounder.
● La Pointe, Rounder
File
Named for the ground sassafras that thickens a native Louisiana gumbo, Filé combines the most powerful elements of the bayou state's musical legacies. Anchored by Ward Lormand's Cajun accordion playing and D'Jalma Garnier's Creole fiddling, the band unites four vocalists to perform songs from across the Cajun, Creole and swamp pop spectrum. Pianist David Egan, the only instrumentalist of his kind in Cajun music, is one of the group's three songwriters. His work has been covered by John Mayall, Maura O'Connell, Percy Sledge and Joe Cocker. The crackling drums of Pete Stevens and the agile bass work of Kevin Shearin complete the ensemble, a band dedicated to dancers for over a decade.
● La Vie Maroon Green Linnet
Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys
Accordionist Steve Riley started singing French songs at three and picked up the accordion at seven. Steve and the Mamou Playboy's high energy music innovates within the Cajun tradition, marrying rocking dance rhythms to their acoustic heritage.
● Trace of Time Rounder CD 6053
● Friday at Last! Swallow
● Live! Rounder CD 6058
● Bon Reve. Rounder
Horace Trahan
20 year old Trahan represents the next generation of Cajun musicians. His debut recording is compelling, within the traditional Cajun style.
● Ossum Blues Swallow 6134
The Touchet Family
The Touchet Brothers played house dances in South Louisiana during the 1940s. and since then various members of the family have been playing in this band as the decades rolled by
.
● The Best Recordings of The Touchet Family.(Swallow) There are some wonderful songs on this CD including "The Life I Thought I Wanted" and one of the best renditions of the "Ossun Two-Step" I have heard. Here the simple elegance of what sounds like hand-clapping accents the accordion at the opening of the song, then the rest of the band kicks in, and later, the band stands down to let the clapping/accordian segment repeat itself to breathtaking effectiveness. There is some fine steel-guitar playing on this track as well.
Al Berard & Karen England
● Feet Off the Ground. Two fiddlers playing old style Cajun-Creole songs, this evocative CD is absolutely captivating. Go ahead, put this on your player, close yours eyes and imagine you are driving through the backroads of SW Louisiana.
Zydeco
Zydeco
Clifton Chenier
The 'king of zydeco', who late in his career actually performed with a crown, Clifton Chenier took the French Creole music he grew up with, mixed it with the blues, R& B, country, swing and swamp pop and created zydeco as we know it today. A good place to start exploring zydeco and Clifton's musis the excellent anthology noted below:
● Zydeco Dynamite: The Clifton Chenier Anthology (Rhino)
Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band
Keith Frank started playing in his father's Zydeco band, the Preston Frank Family Band, when he was four. Now he is one of the hottest acts on the Zydeco scene, playing R&B-influenced dance grooves. You can't sit down when this hard-driving, nouveau Zydeco is being played.
● What's His Name Maison de Soul MDS 1053-2
● Only the Strong Survive Maison de Soul MDS 1062
● Live from Slim's Y-Ki-Ki Maison de Soul
Beau Jocque and the Zydeco Hi-Rollers
Beau Jocque was a big man with a bear of voice who created a big, funky, high-energy, Zydeco sound. He was a major innovator who blended his Zydeco roots with the sensibilities of rap, down-home blues and funk to create compelling, primal dance music. A Beau Jocque performance brought down the house.
● Beau Jocque Boogie Rounder CD 2120
● Git It, Beau Jocque! (Live) Rounder CD 2134
Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas
Nathan Williams is one of the most entertaining live acts on the Louisiana crawfish circuit today. The house band, when not on the road, at his brother, Sid's,. El-Sido's Zydeco and Blues Club in Lafayette, Nathan plays a big piano accordian in the style of Clifton Chenier.
● I'm a Zydeco Hog - Live at the Rock 'n' Bowl, New Orleans. (Rounder). If you've never been to Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl for zydeco nights, this CD might just convince you to make the trip! As Nathan is fond of saying, "It ain't nothing but a party!" Recorded on January 8th & 9th, 1997.
Chris Ardoin and Double Clutchin'
The grandson of Bois Sec Ardoin (cousin of legendary Amedee Ardoin) and son of Lawrence "Black" Ardoin, Chris has ventured with a vengence into 'nouveau' zydeco with a distintive double clutchin, funky ' style. Chris started playing accordian at age 4
● Gon' Be Jus' Fine (Rounder).
● Turn the Page (Rounder)
Lynn August
Blind accordionist Lynn August blends the blues/gospel style of zydeco a la Clifton Chenier with a unique emphasis on the vocals and lyrics to create a melodic style distinctly his own yet firmly footed in the Zydeco traditions.
● Creole Cruiser Black Top CD BT-1074
Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie
Son of zydeco legend, John Delafose, Geno stays closer to his traditional Creole heritage than most of his zydeco contemporaries, performing occassionally with new generation Cajun musicians such as Christine Balfa, Dirk Powell and Steve Riley.
●La Chanson Perdue (Rounder)
Thomas "Big Hat" Fields & his Footstomping Zydeco Band
From Church Point, LA, Fields plays long, hypnotic dance grooves in medium to fast tempos. His West Coast tour in February 1996 played to enthusiastic audiences. "Yeah, you right".
●Come to Louisiana Lanor Records LN 1051 -2
Terrance Simien
If you can imagine Sam Cooke and Aaron Neville all shook up with a high-energy Zydeco accordionist, you might get a sense of what Terrance Simien sounds like. A dynamic performer and gifted vocalist, Simien blends pop, rock, soul, gospel and blues with the Zydeco tradition to create his own unique sound.
● There's Room For Us All Black Top CD BT-1096
Boozoo Chavis and the Majic Sounds
From Lake Charles, LA, Boozoo is considered one of the fathers of Zydeco music and his compositions, including his 1954 hit, Paper in my Shoe, Uncle Bud, Dog Hill and Motor Dude Special are standards of the repetoire.
● Live! At the Habibi Temple Rounder CD 2130
● Down Home on Dog Hill. This posthumously released CD may just be Boozoo best studio recording. Featuring Sonny Landreth on guitar, and David Greely on fiddle, along with Boozoo's regular band (Classie Ballou, Jr on bass, Charles Chavis on rubboard and vocals, and Rellis Chavis on drums), there are some catchy new tunes here (try not to sing along to the nursery rhyme-like, "I'm Still Blinkin'" or "Tell Me What You Want", and some killer remakes, including "Johnnie Billy Goat, and "Negre est pas la", all enhanced by Greely's & Landrey's excellent contributions.
Zydeco Joe and Laissez Le Bon Temp Rouler Band
Zydeco Joe is the great unkept secret of the current SW Lousiana music scene. Joe is a gifted accordian player, talented singer and charismatic performer whose music leans toward the traditional zydeco style. All songs, with one exception are written by Zydeco Joe.
● Jack Rabbit Maison de Soul
Rosie Ledet
One of the few woman taking center stage, and playing accordian, on the contemporary zydeco scene, Rosie writes and performs her own material, which is feisty and full of sexual double-entrendres.
● Zydeco Sensation
● I'm A Woman
● It's A Groove Thing. Wow! This is one great recording by Rosie Ledet. Rosie has a great singing voice that is show-cased on this CD, with excellent accompaniment by Keith Frank on guitar and Pat Breaux on saxophone. The recording is one of the most sophisticated zydeco recordings I have heard in a while and it has stood the test of repeated listening, as it was the only tape I had with me for three days of driving around SW Louisiana. Check out the soulful "Hold On", or "So Damn Bad" or the pop-influenced "Big Brother".
J. Paul, Jr. and the Zydeco Nubreedz.
Houston-based J. Paul, Jr. is a charismatic performer with a strong stage presence, J. J. Paul's recordings show the influence of gospel, hip-hop, r&b, soul, concept albums, and traditional zydeco.
● Phenomenon. A strong follow-up to Another Level, thisd this recording makes for great listening as well as dancing. Phenomenon has some great cuts on it. "Where My Soldiers At" is a tribute to the zydeco artists that came before him with wailing vocals and accordion playing that will blow you away. "No Sad Songs" and "Farmer's Waltz" are new arrangements of traditional songs that make these songs sound fresh, with beautiful harmonies and strong instrumentation.
Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers
Another up-and-coming Houston band featuring dynamic performances and catchy tunes.
● Give Me Some Room. This Texas band's CD features a thumping dance beat, driving accordion and strong vocal harmonies, and some really catchy material including "Get it Started" , "L'Argent and a cover of Roy Carrrier's Step Back "Give Me Some Room" .
Clifton Chenier
The 'king of zydeco', who late in his career actually performed with a crown, Clifton Chenier took the French Creole music he grew up with, mixed it with the blues, R& B, country, swing and swamp pop and created zydeco as we know it today. A good place to start exploring zydeco and Clifton's musis the excellent anthology noted below:
● Zydeco Dynamite: The Clifton Chenier Anthology (Rhino)
Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band
Keith Frank started playing in his father's Zydeco band, the Preston Frank Family Band, when he was four. Now he is one of the hottest acts on the Zydeco scene, playing R&B-influenced dance grooves. You can't sit down when this hard-driving, nouveau Zydeco is being played.
● What's His Name Maison de Soul MDS 1053-2
● Only the Strong Survive Maison de Soul MDS 1062
● Live from Slim's Y-Ki-Ki Maison de Soul
Beau Jocque and the Zydeco Hi-Rollers
Beau Jocque was a big man with a bear of voice who created a big, funky, high-energy, Zydeco sound. He was a major innovator who blended his Zydeco roots with the sensibilities of rap, down-home blues and funk to create compelling, primal dance music. A Beau Jocque performance brought down the house.
● Beau Jocque Boogie Rounder CD 2120
● Git It, Beau Jocque! (Live) Rounder CD 2134
Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas
Nathan Williams is one of the most entertaining live acts on the Louisiana crawfish circuit today. The house band, when not on the road, at his brother, Sid's,. El-Sido's Zydeco and Blues Club in Lafayette, Nathan plays a big piano accordian in the style of Clifton Chenier.
● I'm a Zydeco Hog - Live at the Rock 'n' Bowl, New Orleans. (Rounder). If you've never been to Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl for zydeco nights, this CD might just convince you to make the trip! As Nathan is fond of saying, "It ain't nothing but a party!" Recorded on January 8th & 9th, 1997.
Chris Ardoin and Double Clutchin'
The grandson of Bois Sec Ardoin (cousin of legendary Amedee Ardoin) and son of Lawrence "Black" Ardoin, Chris has ventured with a vengence into 'nouveau' zydeco with a distintive double clutchin, funky ' style. Chris started playing accordian at age 4
● Gon' Be Jus' Fine (Rounder).
● Turn the Page (Rounder)
Lynn August
Blind accordionist Lynn August blends the blues/gospel style of zydeco a la Clifton Chenier with a unique emphasis on the vocals and lyrics to create a melodic style distinctly his own yet firmly footed in the Zydeco traditions.
● Creole Cruiser Black Top CD BT-1074
Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie
Son of zydeco legend, John Delafose, Geno stays closer to his traditional Creole heritage than most of his zydeco contemporaries, performing occassionally with new generation Cajun musicians such as Christine Balfa, Dirk Powell and Steve Riley.
●La Chanson Perdue (Rounder)
Thomas "Big Hat" Fields & his Footstomping Zydeco Band
From Church Point, LA, Fields plays long, hypnotic dance grooves in medium to fast tempos. His West Coast tour in February 1996 played to enthusiastic audiences. "Yeah, you right".
●Come to Louisiana Lanor Records LN 1051 -2
Terrance Simien
If you can imagine Sam Cooke and Aaron Neville all shook up with a high-energy Zydeco accordionist, you might get a sense of what Terrance Simien sounds like. A dynamic performer and gifted vocalist, Simien blends pop, rock, soul, gospel and blues with the Zydeco tradition to create his own unique sound.
● There's Room For Us All Black Top CD BT-1096
Boozoo Chavis and the Majic Sounds
From Lake Charles, LA, Boozoo is considered one of the fathers of Zydeco music and his compositions, including his 1954 hit, Paper in my Shoe, Uncle Bud, Dog Hill and Motor Dude Special are standards of the repetoire.
● Live! At the Habibi Temple Rounder CD 2130
● Down Home on Dog Hill. This posthumously released CD may just be Boozoo best studio recording. Featuring Sonny Landreth on guitar, and David Greely on fiddle, along with Boozoo's regular band (Classie Ballou, Jr on bass, Charles Chavis on rubboard and vocals, and Rellis Chavis on drums), there are some catchy new tunes here (try not to sing along to the nursery rhyme-like, "I'm Still Blinkin'" or "Tell Me What You Want", and some killer remakes, including "Johnnie Billy Goat, and "Negre est pas la", all enhanced by Greely's & Landrey's excellent contributions.
Zydeco Joe and Laissez Le Bon Temp Rouler Band
Zydeco Joe is the great unkept secret of the current SW Lousiana music scene. Joe is a gifted accordian player, talented singer and charismatic performer whose music leans toward the traditional zydeco style. All songs, with one exception are written by Zydeco Joe.
● Jack Rabbit Maison de Soul
Rosie Ledet
One of the few woman taking center stage, and playing accordian, on the contemporary zydeco scene, Rosie writes and performs her own material, which is feisty and full of sexual double-entrendres.
● Zydeco Sensation
● I'm A Woman
● It's A Groove Thing. Wow! This is one great recording by Rosie Ledet. Rosie has a great singing voice that is show-cased on this CD, with excellent accompaniment by Keith Frank on guitar and Pat Breaux on saxophone. The recording is one of the most sophisticated zydeco recordings I have heard in a while and it has stood the test of repeated listening, as it was the only tape I had with me for three days of driving around SW Louisiana. Check out the soulful "Hold On", or "So Damn Bad" or the pop-influenced "Big Brother".
J. Paul, Jr. and the Zydeco Nubreedz.
Houston-based J. Paul, Jr. is a charismatic performer with a strong stage presence, J. J. Paul's recordings show the influence of gospel, hip-hop, r&b, soul, concept albums, and traditional zydeco.
● Phenomenon. A strong follow-up to Another Level, thisd this recording makes for great listening as well as dancing. Phenomenon has some great cuts on it. "Where My Soldiers At" is a tribute to the zydeco artists that came before him with wailing vocals and accordion playing that will blow you away. "No Sad Songs" and "Farmer's Waltz" are new arrangements of traditional songs that make these songs sound fresh, with beautiful harmonies and strong instrumentation.
Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers
Another up-and-coming Houston band featuring dynamic performances and catchy tunes.
● Give Me Some Room. This Texas band's CD features a thumping dance beat, driving accordion and strong vocal harmonies, and some really catchy material including "Get it Started" , "L'Argent and a cover of Roy Carrrier's Step Back "Give Me Some Room" .
Compilations
Compilations
Alligator Stomp, (5 Volumes) Rhino Records
These collections are a mixture of Cajun and Zydeco, traditional and modern, a great introduction to the music.
Cajun Dance Favorites, Swallow Records (SW-6104-2)
A collection of classic Cajun two-steps and waltzes performed by D. L. Menard, Walter Mouton, Belton Richard, Dewey Balfa, Joe Bonsall, Nathan Abshire and others.
Evangeline Made, A Tribute to Cajun Music. (Vanguard).
An all-star line-up of artists including John Fogerty, Nick Lowe, Richard Thompson, Linda Ronstadt, David Johansen, Linda Thompson, Rodney Crowell, Maria McKee, and Patty Griffin pay homage to Cajun culture, singing entirely in French, on this Vanguard compilation. Produced by Ann Savoy, these 'brand name' musicians are supported by a "Who's Who" of Cajun musicians (including Michael Doucet, Steve Riley, Mark Savoy, Sonny Landreth, David Greeley, Dirk Powell, Christine Balfa, David Doucet, Kevin Wimmer, Jimmy Breaux, Mitchell Reed and Sam Broussard) and the resultant recording stays true to the Cajun sound.
Rockin' Zydeco Party, Maison de Soul (MDS 1049-2)
An excellent introduction to Zydeco featuring tracks by Boozoo Chavis, Rockin' Sidney, Beau Jocque, Keith Frank, John Delafose, Clifton Chenier, Lynn August and more.
Passion Fish - Original Soundtrack, Daring Records CD 3008
A traditional Cajun & Zydeco collection, featuring the Balfa Brothers, John Delafose, Willis Prudhomme and others
Music from the Zydeco Kingdom (Rounder ROUN 11579)
This is an anthology of zydeco music, compiled by author Michael Tisserand as a companion recording to his acclaimed book, The Kingdom of Zydeco (Arcade Publishing, 1998). As always, Michael's linear notes are illuminating and the mix of music, for a 1 CD anthology, is encyclopedic, ranging from trailblazers like Amede Ardoin, Clifton Chenier and Boozoo Chavis, to the young bucks of today (showcasing traditional tracks by Keith Frank and Chris Ardoin), to material a fan of the genre might not normally come across (Les Freres Carrieres, Ambrose Sam, La Latour's Sulphur Playboys). The CD makes for great listening AND a great dance party
Allons en Louisiane -- The Rounder Records Guide to Cajun Music, Zydeco and South Louisiana is a multi-media 2-CD set that includes an audio CD that samples many of the top artists on the C/z scene plus a CD ROM containing movies, interviews and photos covering a wide range of topicson the music and culture. Written and produced by Scott Billington, who has been recording the music of Louisiana for the past fifteen years, the set is a great introduction to the pleasures that are uniquely South Louisiana's. Order here
Putumayo presents Zydeco
Zydeco features Rosie Ledet, The Creole Zydeco Farmers, Keith Frank, Boozoo Chavis, and Beau Jocque among others. I've always been impressed with Putumayo's world music compilations (one of my favorites is Mali to Memphis) and their take on zydeco is a worthy addition, and exellent introduction to the genre. Check out "Hoochie Coochie" by Joe KK and Zydeco Force or "Stay In or Stay Out - Pass the Dutchie" by Chris Ardoin & Double Clutchin', and see if you can remain seated.
Alligator Stomp, (5 Volumes) Rhino Records
These collections are a mixture of Cajun and Zydeco, traditional and modern, a great introduction to the music.
Cajun Dance Favorites, Swallow Records (SW-6104-2)
A collection of classic Cajun two-steps and waltzes performed by D. L. Menard, Walter Mouton, Belton Richard, Dewey Balfa, Joe Bonsall, Nathan Abshire and others.
Evangeline Made, A Tribute to Cajun Music. (Vanguard).
An all-star line-up of artists including John Fogerty, Nick Lowe, Richard Thompson, Linda Ronstadt, David Johansen, Linda Thompson, Rodney Crowell, Maria McKee, and Patty Griffin pay homage to Cajun culture, singing entirely in French, on this Vanguard compilation. Produced by Ann Savoy, these 'brand name' musicians are supported by a "Who's Who" of Cajun musicians (including Michael Doucet, Steve Riley, Mark Savoy, Sonny Landreth, David Greeley, Dirk Powell, Christine Balfa, David Doucet, Kevin Wimmer, Jimmy Breaux, Mitchell Reed and Sam Broussard) and the resultant recording stays true to the Cajun sound.
Rockin' Zydeco Party, Maison de Soul (MDS 1049-2)
An excellent introduction to Zydeco featuring tracks by Boozoo Chavis, Rockin' Sidney, Beau Jocque, Keith Frank, John Delafose, Clifton Chenier, Lynn August and more.
Passion Fish - Original Soundtrack, Daring Records CD 3008
A traditional Cajun & Zydeco collection, featuring the Balfa Brothers, John Delafose, Willis Prudhomme and others
Music from the Zydeco Kingdom (Rounder ROUN 11579)
This is an anthology of zydeco music, compiled by author Michael Tisserand as a companion recording to his acclaimed book, The Kingdom of Zydeco (Arcade Publishing, 1998). As always, Michael's linear notes are illuminating and the mix of music, for a 1 CD anthology, is encyclopedic, ranging from trailblazers like Amede Ardoin, Clifton Chenier and Boozoo Chavis, to the young bucks of today (showcasing traditional tracks by Keith Frank and Chris Ardoin), to material a fan of the genre might not normally come across (Les Freres Carrieres, Ambrose Sam, La Latour's Sulphur Playboys). The CD makes for great listening AND a great dance party
Allons en Louisiane -- The Rounder Records Guide to Cajun Music, Zydeco and South Louisiana is a multi-media 2-CD set that includes an audio CD that samples many of the top artists on the C/z scene plus a CD ROM containing movies, interviews and photos covering a wide range of topicson the music and culture. Written and produced by Scott Billington, who has been recording the music of Louisiana for the past fifteen years, the set is a great introduction to the pleasures that are uniquely South Louisiana's. Order here
Putumayo presents Zydeco
Zydeco features Rosie Ledet, The Creole Zydeco Farmers, Keith Frank, Boozoo Chavis, and Beau Jocque among others. I've always been impressed with Putumayo's world music compilations (one of my favorites is Mali to Memphis) and their take on zydeco is a worthy addition, and exellent introduction to the genre. Check out "Hoochie Coochie" by Joe KK and Zydeco Force or "Stay In or Stay Out - Pass the Dutchie" by Chris Ardoin & Double Clutchin', and see if you can remain seated.
Recent Recordings
A
list of some worthwhile recent releases (under
development)
• BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet - Live in Louisiana
• Nouveau Stringband with Marce Lacouture
• Cedric Watson & Corey Ledet - Goin' Down to Louisiana
• Lost Bayou Ramblers - Vermillionaire
• Pine Leaf Boys - La Musique & Blues de Musicien
• Charivari - A Trip to the Holiday Lounge (one of my all time favorite Cajun CDs).
• Marc Savoy Plays Cajun Accordion - Back to the Basics Savoy Style
• Magnolia Sisters - Lapin Lapin - Cajun Creole Songs for Children
• Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys - Dominos, & Greatest Hits
• FeuFollet - Cow Island Hop
• BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet - Live in Louisiana
• Nouveau Stringband with Marce Lacouture
• Cedric Watson & Corey Ledet - Goin' Down to Louisiana
• Lost Bayou Ramblers - Vermillionaire
• Pine Leaf Boys - La Musique & Blues de Musicien
• Charivari - A Trip to the Holiday Lounge (one of my all time favorite Cajun CDs).
• Marc Savoy Plays Cajun Accordion - Back to the Basics Savoy Style
• Magnolia Sisters - Lapin Lapin - Cajun Creole Songs for Children
• Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys - Dominos, & Greatest Hits
• FeuFollet - Cow Island Hop
Acadiana Musicians-Other Genres
Some of my favorite
Acadiana musicians, well worth seeking out.
- David Egan & Twenty Years of Trouble
- Drew Landry
- Gina Forsyth
- Michael Juan Nunez
- The Nouveau String Band with Marce Lacouture
- The Red Stick Ramblers
- Sam Broussard
- Sonny Landreth
On-line Resources
On-line music
Privately owned Louisiana music stores (with on-line web stores):
Encyclopedia
Southwest Louisiana Musician's Encyclopedia. Compliled by McNeese State University, "The SWLA Musicians Encyclopedia is a compendium of narrative and descriptive essays about the people and places relating to music and musicians of SWLA. For the purposes of this encyclopedia, the definition of a “Southwest Louisiana Musician” remains a fluid and slippery endeavor. As a general rule, “Southwest Louisiana” means “Imperial Calcasieu,” the region now made up of Calcasieu, Cameron, Allen, Beauregard, and Jefferson Davis parishes. To be sure, a musician born within the boundaries of these parishes falls under the category of “Southwest Louisiana Musician.” However, after that criterion, the definition becomes less definite. Other musicians not fortunate enough to be born on Imperial Calcasieu soil, but who lived, worked, or performed extensively in this area are included. The Encyclopedia also includes bands, civic organizations, educators, and companies associated with Southwest Louisiana music.
Privately owned Louisiana music stores (with on-line web stores):
- Floyd's Record Store in Ville Platte
- Louisiana Music Factory in New Orleans
Encyclopedia
Southwest Louisiana Musician's Encyclopedia. Compliled by McNeese State University, "The SWLA Musicians Encyclopedia is a compendium of narrative and descriptive essays about the people and places relating to music and musicians of SWLA. For the purposes of this encyclopedia, the definition of a “Southwest Louisiana Musician” remains a fluid and slippery endeavor. As a general rule, “Southwest Louisiana” means “Imperial Calcasieu,” the region now made up of Calcasieu, Cameron, Allen, Beauregard, and Jefferson Davis parishes. To be sure, a musician born within the boundaries of these parishes falls under the category of “Southwest Louisiana Musician.” However, after that criterion, the definition becomes less definite. Other musicians not fortunate enough to be born on Imperial Calcasieu soil, but who lived, worked, or performed extensively in this area are included. The Encyclopedia also includes bands, civic organizations, educators, and companies associated with Southwest Louisiana music.