When Lake Charles recordman Eddie Shuler was too busy to record Nathan Abshire because he was already involved with accordionist Iry LeJeune, he referred him to George Khoury whose record shop was around the corner. Hence, Khoury’s family of imprints were born, which have previously been documented by Arhoolie’s Cajun Honky Tonk and Abshire’s French Blues. Other than an estimated eight-to-ten allegedly unremarkable sides, Arhoolie’s third installment of this historic era (1947-1959) virtually covers the rest of Khoury’s reign in Cajun music. Abshire is featured on four sides, including the clackety “Boora Rhumba” that’s literally a French adaptation of “La Cucaracha,” as is Lawrence Walker with two classic sides.
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As evidenced by this 27-track disc, it was an interesting time—the end of the stringband era and the birth of the accordion-fueled honky tonk epoch. An integral part of the Khoury story, Texan Virgil Bozeman became so enamored with Cajun music that he used a French vocalist in his own Oklahoma Tornadoes stringband recordings, which were later assumed into the Khoury catalog.

Of note are tracks by fiddler/crooner Jimmy Choates and “Scrambled Eggs” by Sandy Austin (a pseudonym for Abe Manuel)—a driving fiddle tune that emulates the clucking of egg-laying hens. “Chere Petite Blun” deviates from the norm with fiddle and piano while future “Sugar Bee” hit maker Cleveland Crochet is heard on “Sha Meon Waltz” and the primal “Midnight Blues.” Arhoolie’s packaging can’t be beat, a hardbound 88-page, photo-filled, miniature coffee table booklet with expansive liner notes by record collector Dave Sax. Great closure to a pivotal era and a must have for enthusiasts.