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

Author's product rating:   

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.