Kings Of Cajun - Various Artists

Kings Of Cajun - Various Artists > Reviews > Kings of Cajun

3 CD(s) - World Music - Label: Music Club - Distributor: 2 Entertain/Sony DADC - Released: 12/1994 - 5014797860100 more

Overall user rating Kings Of Cajun - Various Artists 1 review | Write a review | Add product to list





Please wait ....
Rate this product:  
 
All Kings Of Cajun - Various Artists reviews
Kings of Cajun
A review by Martinscholes on Kings Of Cajun - Various Artists
November 21st, 2005


Author's product rating:   Kings Of Cajun - Various Artists - rated by Martinscholes

Originality Groundbreaking 
Lyrics Sublime 
Quality and consistency of tracks Flawless 
Value for Money Excellent 

Advantages: A truly great CD
Disadvantages: None whatsoever !

Recommend to potential buyers: yes 

Full review
One of my other musical passions is Cajun music. Cajun music is the music of the Cajun people of southern Louisiana. The history of the Cajun people is a tough one. Thrown out of their settlement of Arcadie in Canada (because, as French settlers they declined to swear allegiance to the British Crown) they eventually settled in southern Louisiana. They were a separate people, virtually a race apart, separated by the harsh environment and by their language, a sort of combination of French and some English.

Cajun music is largely played using the fiddle and or the accordion, with accompaniment provided by triangles or similar rhythm instruments. Though some guitar might also be used.

Cajun music is an exceptionally joyous music. It is almost as if they, as a people, are saying: "Well, our ancestors crossed an ocean, they got forced out of their homes, they had to move down here to the Louisiana swamps, and that it where we now have to live. Ain't life grand?!"

It is as if they have acknowledged that they had a raw deal, but have taken that raw deal by the throat and got something positive out of their collective history.

There are 22 tracks on this CD, and the names of the musicians show the fascinating history of the Cajun people. Nathan Abshire, the Balfa Brothers, Austin Pitre, Joe Bonsall, Aldus Roger, Bessyl Duhon, PhilMenard, Don Montoucet, Boozoo Chavis, Camey Doucet, Wayne Toups, the Ardoin Brothers, Ronnie Fruge, Sheryl Cormier. Yes, all of those name are accidental corruptions of good old French surnames, changed over the years by indolent or semi-literate government officials

There are two distinct threads to Cajun music and both of these are well-represented on this CD. The two-step and the waltz. Although rooted very firmly in European (well, French, mainly) folk music traditions, Cajun music has absorbed many other musical influences. Bluegrass, swing, country and western, jazz, the blues and rock an roll.

A really charming example of such a song is French Fiddle Boogie by Joe Bonsal and the Orange Playboys. It is a Cajun, blues, rock boogie crossover. It is sung in Cajun French with the odd: "Let's Go Baby!" and "Oh, yeah!"

The sleeve notes by John Broven are amongst some of the best and most informative I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

I recall paying about £5.00 for this CD in a sale. For current pricing please check with Ciao's price comparison service.
 
Write your own review




More details
How does it compare to the artist's other releases Outstanding 
How does it rate alongside the competition Outstanding 
Cover / Inlay Design and Content Outstanding 

Evaluate this review
How helpful would this review be to someone making a buying decision?
Rating guidelines

   

Comments on this review
More options
All Kings Of Cajun - Various Artists reviews

Related offers for Kings Of Cajun - Various Artists

Related offers for Kings Of Cajun - Various Artists    
 
Amazon UK
655 Ratings
Amazon UK
Find "Kings Of Cajun - Various Artists" New and Used on Amazon. Free UK Delivery on orders over £25.
Amazon UK

Products you might be interested in
Sacred Spirit Vol.1 (Chants & Dances Of The Native Americans) - Various ArtistsSacred Spirit Vol.1 (Chants & Dances Of The Native Americans) - Various Artists

1 CD(s) - Native American - Label: Virgin - Distributor: EMI - Released: 10/1995 - 724384094522

This product has not yet been reviewed. Rate it now

Buy now for only £ 4.48

Greece - Music For A Greek Wedding - Various Artists

1 CD(s) - World Music - Label: Hallmark - Distributor: Pickwick - Released: 25/11/2002 - 5050457510329

This product has not yet been reviewed. Rate it now

Buy now for only £ 1.22

20 Great Irish Drinking Songs (Whiskey In The Jar) - Various Artists

1 CD(s) - Irish - Label: Music - Distributor: Delta Music/Arvato Services - Released: 07/07/2003 - 4006408063964

This product has not yet been reviewed. Rate it now

Buy now for only £ 0.99

Sacred Chants Of Rama - Craig Pruess & Pandit

2 CD(s) - World Music - Label: Heaven On Earth - Distributor: Discord - Released: 03/06/2002 - 5016700917239

This product has not yet been reviewed. Rate it now

Buy now for only £ 12.27

Best Of The Dubliners, The - Dubliners (The)Best Of The Dubliners, The - Dubliners (The)

3 CD(s) - Irish - Label: EMI Catalogue - Distributor: EMI - Released: 18/08/2003 - 724358448825

This product has not yet been reviewed. Rate it now

Buy now for only £ 4.26

Iraq - Give Me Love (Songs Of The The Broken Hearted - Baghdad 1925-1929) [Digipak] - Various ArtistsIraq - Give Me Love (Songs Of The The Broken Hearted - Baghdad 1925-1929) [Digipak] - Various Artists

1 CD(s) - Iraqi - Label: Parlophone - Distributor: EMI - Released: 21/07/2008 - 5099923454521

This product has not yet been reviewed. Rate it now

Buy now for only £ 7.76




Are you the manufacturer / provider of Kings Of Cajun - Various Artists? Click here