Meet Ray Abshire, he’s one of the reasons Cajun music continues its roots resurgence. Abshire was in his teens when he joined the Balfa Brothers Band in 1969, replacing cousin, famed accordionist Nathan Abshire whose health was in decline. Eventually he followed the course of so many Cajun musicians and settled down to everyday civilian life. Thanks to the urging of family and friends, Abshire reemerged in the ’90s with rare public appearances and even recorded some standout tracks with the Old Tymers in 2001.
On his long awaited debut, Balfa Toujours fiddlers Kevin Wimmer and Courtney Granger accompany the redoubtable accordionist, which, in essence, symbolizes another chapter of the Balfa legacy. Besides the obvious connections¾Wimmer being a Dewey Balfa disciple and Granger feeling the familial calling¾even the very making of this recording somewhat resembles the clan’s tradition of gathering for music and supper. The fiddlers, along with Lost Bayou Ramblers’ André Michot (guitar), cut this one in Abshire’s living room before partaking in a late night feast.
If they were famished, it doesn’t show. Abshire is one of the most awe-inspiring accordionists you’ll ever hear¾the real deal in the old school tradition. He’s loaded with technique, impeccable timing and an attacking drive that emanate the fullest sounds possible. The undubbed sound is perfect while the Wimmer-Granger axis provides many a gorgeous run on twin fiddles. Interestingly, Abshire doesn’t find inspiration from accordionists but credits fiddlers for his creative expression.
If that’s the case, that explains the magic exuding from this delightful song selection ranging from Nathan Abshire’s “French Two-Step” and Amade Breaux’s “Step It Fast” to Balfa staples “Big Woods Waltz” and “Mon Vieux Wagon.” Hence, no aspect of Abshire’s musical personality is left unrepresentative, especially the unearthing of Lawrence Walker’s “Brunette Two-Step” from a rare 78 and the premiere of Rodney Balfa’s “Rodney’s Waltz” in its first recorded form ever. The surging “Grand Riceville” and the poppin’ “Washington Stomp” sound like they too were lifted from the vault but are actually Abshire originals. While Abshire lays his weeping pipes on seven tracks, Granger lends his breaking, tender voice on four selections¾yet, another indication how this recording shines in all directions. The man known as Lafayette’s best-kept secret is no longer and to Cajun music zealots everywhere, that’s headline news.
