Though beloved Cajun fiddler Al Berard left this world all too soon in 2014, his legacy lives on, in part, thanks to Forest Huval, Kevin Anthony, and Kelli Jones with Joel Savoy recording various tunes. When it comes to tribute albums, there’s no deeper connection than that of Sweet Cecilia, a trio consisting of daughters Laura Huval and Maegan Rankin and niece Callie Guidry who were practically weaned on these heartfelt creations. The seven selections represent an accurate portrayal of Berard’s jovial personality, devotion to family and zesty love for life.

In doing this one-of-a-kind project, Sweet Cecilia enlisted Tony Daigle as co-producer and engineer and nine other musicians, including fiddler Kyle Hebert who mentored under Berard. Sweet Cecilia’s singing is glorious and breath-taking throughout, especially on “Dans La Louisiane” and “Fais Do Do Waltz.” With Laura’s blowtorch crooning, “Tout Les Cadien Content” is slowed down to swamp pop sway with saxophonist Ronnie Eades and trumpeter James Spells. The horns return on “Quoi Faire Tu Tuer Mon Cochon” to help swing the pig-murdering song madly.

While most of this is indigenous South Louisiana fare, “Jump the Fence” distinguishes itself as a national alt-rock radio contender. Mystical and drifty, it builds intensity through a fiery fiddle core while Maegan’s slaying guitar work takes it to its zenith. Resounding background vocals seal the deal. 

Though this will likely expand Sweet Cecilia’s audience, that’s not its mission; instead, all proceeds benefit The Al Berard Memorial Musical Fund at Community Foundation of Acadiana that provides music scholarships and supports the arts community. Since its inception in 2014, the Fund has raised over $75,000.