Evoking memories of Cajun music as it was performed during the post-World War II era, Horace Trahan’s Ossun Blues is exactly what the recording’s subtitle says it is: Authentic Cajun French Music. And in an era when so many young accordionists are aiming to become the next Zachary Richard, Trahan is decidedly heading in the opposite direction. His accordion style is remarkably true to form, and you get a strange feeling that this effort is more reincarnation than emulation.

Trahan grew up in the country near Lafayette, in the small community of Ossun. He began studying accordion at age 16 under the tutelage of Felix Richard who, decades earlier, taught Zachary to play. But there’s nothing progressive about Trahan’s style which is the best thing about Ossun Blues.

Trahan’s primary influence is Iry Lejeune and he has. hauntingly recreated Lejeune’s heart-breaking waltz, “Viens Me Chercher,” on this Swallow recording. Renditions of several Cajun standards such as “Chanson de Limonade” (“Lemonade Song”) and “Creole Stomp” are juxtaposed with a handful of original compositions. Trahan has also rendered a couple of Nathan Abshire tunes as well as two Dewey Balfa compositions for the disc.

Ably backed by members of Balfa Toujours along with the legendary D.L. Menard and noted contemporary fiddler, Terry Huval, among others, Trahan’s accordion playing and high-pitched nasal delivery is authentic and fresh. This unlikely combination makes Ossun Blues an excellent beginning effort from a new (and traditional) Cajun accordionist.