Bienvenue Dans le Sud de la Louisiane, Bruce Daigrepont’s first band record since 1999’s Paradis, consists of 14 finely crafted originals, with several having been performed live for years, some even before Katrina. Though the gate­-bolting title track may roll out the red carpet to French Louisiana, the proceedings are really a portal into Daigrepont’s cultural perspective and his identity as a Cajun. Subject­-wise, the songs range from crawfish boils, Cajun cooking and lending a helping hand to the late-­night visiting uncle and scruffy, stubborn bachelors; the instrumental “D & D Special,” a familial reference, is quite the flame thrower.

As a songwriter, Daigrepont can write with poignancy, as evidenced by the majestic “Si le Bon Dieu Veut” and the trill-ringing, bass­-note clashing “Aujord’hui t’es Ici, Demain t’es Gone,” which were inspired by the loss of his parents. But he can also be funny, as on the recklessly rocking “Les Politiciens,” which casts politicians as crooks. If his accordion playing is impeccable and creative, his ultra-­tight band matches his resiliency, whether it’s Daigrepont and fiddler Gina Forsyth’s telepathic interplay or drummer Mike Barras’ quick-­pumping New Orleans beats. Stylistically, each track differs from its predecessor, giving the listening and possibly dancing experience beautiful ebb and flow. As a vocalist, Daigrepont is not afraid to let it out and he’s never afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. He’s as real as they come.