Music
Country Fried, Life Is Fine (Independent)
Country Fried falls somewhere between ’70s country rock and late ’50s folk, especially given the hearty vocals of Brian Ayres, Taylor Garrett and Todd McNulty. Whether it’s lazy shuffles, gospel-like […]
Goldman & Guyland, Teaching the Young (Shrimpo Records)
The concept is novel: the seasoned journeyman teaching the budding, young apprentice. But when it comes to accordions, it’s hard to imagine 12-year-old whiz kid Guyland Leday needing any more […]
Various Artists, Louisiana Cajun & Creole Music: The Newport Field Recordings (Rounder Records)
The Newport Folk Foundation played a pivotal role in the resurgence of Cajun-Creole music when its future looked bleak. At the 1964 Newport Folk Festival, a performance by a Cajun […]
Koray Broussard & the Zydeco Unit, Trapped (MTE Records)
Just because you hail from healthy zydeco bloodlines doesn’t guarantee overnight success. Koray Broussard’s grandfather was the venerable Delton Broussard, honcho of the Lawtell Playboys, and uncle Jeffery practically ignited […]
Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, Grand Isle (Independent)
It’s always intriguing to see where Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys will evolve to next. Over the course of a storied 23-year career, the pendulum has repeatedly swung between […]
David Greely: Playboy No More
It was a cybershot heard around the Cajun world when an email sent to Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys’ distribution list in early February announced the retirement of the […]
Pine Leaf Boys, Back Home (Valcour Records)
After countless stateside and international tours, the Pine Leaf Boys realize that you never appreciate what you have until you leave home, hence the premise of the disc’s title. Their […]
Yvette Landry, Should Have Known (Independent)
Yvette Landry’s a natural. She played bass for just months before turning pro with the Lafayette Rhythm Devils. That led to a second band, Bonsoir, Catin; not bad for never […]
John Trahan, My Louisiana (Acadian Records)
A lot has happened since John Trahan’s debut disc 17 years ago, including a career move to Dallas and a recent relocation back to native Vermillion Parish. But one thing’s […]
LakeSide Gamblers, La Valse d’Hommage (Salty Bayou Records)
Small ensembles, specifically duos and trios, were prevalent in the days of early Cajun music until they were shoved aside by larger, more popular dancehall aggregations. But whatever goes around […]
