Various Artists, Have a Merry South Louisiana Christmas (CSP)

 

Just when you’ve thought you’ve heard and seen it all comes the first swamp pop Christmas CD—and it’s not half bad either. The usual suspects are along for the sleigh ride—Van and Grace Broussard, Kane Glaze, Wayne Foret, Ronnie Melancon and even Fats Domino. Not unexpectedly, a lot of traditional material is here, perhaps the most enjoyable being Mike and Steve Broussard’s version of “Blue Christmas” and Gary T.’s “Let it Snow.” Also, Domino’s treatment of “Jingle Bells” makes the song sound like it was written just for him. There are a couple of inventive originals too, the best being Glaze’s “Sweet Dream Christmas.” I won’t be going back to the old country for this yuletide but staying near the bayou (St. John), so you can bet this one will get lots of play between sips of eggnog.