Though some Zachary Richard devotees may proclaim the lanky Cajun’s 1995 masterpiece Cap Enragé as one of their desert island discs of all time, Coeur fidèle comes close to having a similar artistic impact. Like the famed record that went double platinum, this one too is an all-French effort showcasing Richard’s gripping storytelling and off-the-charts performances that have made him an exemplary cultural statesman.

Through the course of these dozen gorgeous tracks, there’s intriguing tales of historical interest, love and beauty. There are often feelings of melancholy and despair but it’s artfully balanced with uptempo selections such as the party-down New Orleans funk of “Hootchie Kootchie Pour Toi” and the top-down cruising country blues-soaked “Jésus in Arrière.”

Although some songs have been introduced on previous recordings such as “Crawfish” and “One More Kiss” from Snake Bite Love as well as the anthemic “Réveille” from Bayou Des Mysteres, here they breathe new life and interpretation.

With electrifying band support, Richard’s passion abounds throughout which makes tracking down this laudable French import well worth the effort.