| Evangeline Made - Various Artists | |
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Reviewed by Kathy Coleman
The liner notes give a good feel for what's to come. The introduction informs us that Cajun
music is homemade; it is created by the hard-working, hard-playing "descendants of the
Acadians." From 1755, the displaced Acadians (Cajuns) lived in the rural and bayou areas of
Louisiana, their French-Canadian voices slowly mingling with Jamaican, African, and other
southern voices, such as the western Texican sound, to create a wholly unique, intriguing,
rhythmic music that sounds a little like what evolved into modern country (certainly one of
the roots), a little like modern blues (again), and even a little like modern Tex-Mex. You can
hear the relationship in this music.
Bright accordion rhythms, strong fiddle, powerful drumbeats, and beautiful acoustic guitar
picking accentuate the music, surrounding the listener right from the start in music that was
simply made to dance to and enjoy. On this disc, artists from all over country and rock music
come together to celebrate this vibrate music style Linda Ronstadt, John Fogerty, Maria
McKee, Rodney Crowell; their voices are raised in the melodic Cajun sound which means
the lyrics are in French. Still, they can't help but draw you in, especially since the music is so infectious. Rodney Crowell says something that truly captures the essence of this music: "I do know this: Cajun music is best consumed outdoors. Like watermelon, it's hard to partake without getting it on you." It is music to bring to a picnic, something to play when you have all the families over in your backyard with the dogs and the kids and the hot sun beating down it sounds like summertime.
Right from the start, with the instrumental "Vagabond Special," I was drawn into the music. With the second track, "La Chanson d'une Fille de Quinze Ans (Song of a Fifteen-Year-Old Girl)," and Linda Ronstadt's always-delightful vocals, I was hooked. Other favorites include Linda Thompson's haunting "Valse de Balfa (Balfa Waltz)," and the gorgeous vocals of Maria McKee on "Ma Blonde Est Partie (My Blonde Left)."
Maria McKee also sings the closing track, the absolutely beautiful "Tout Un Bear Soir en me
Promenant (On A Beautiful Evening While Out Walking)." Personally, the whole disc is
worth this song, but I did enjoy every single track.
Many of the artists involved didn't speak French; producer Ann Savoy, member of the Savoy-
Doucet Cajun Band as well as a scholar of the musical style and respected folklorist, speaks
highly of their dedication and drive to pronounce and deliver their songs properly and with
the level of enthusiasm required for the carefree, high-spirited music. Ms. Savoy's project is
clearly one of love for the music and its vast heritage. It is presented here with heart,
honesty, and true authenticity.
That some of the tracks are familiar songs makes the French lyrics somewhat easier to follow.
As a music listener, I'm very zoned-in on lyrics, so I did occasionally feel "left out." Therefore, when a familiar song came on, such as John Fogerty's foot-stomping Cajun version of "Diggy Liggy Lo," I enjoyed the sudden realization that I did know, and I was definitely "in" rather than "out!" But on the whole, I found myself truly enjoying listening, and learning, about Cajun music. If you are already a fan, I know you'll like this. If you haven't heard any Cajun music, do yourself a favor and give it a try.
Song List:
Audio clips courtesy of Barnes and Noble.
Album cover, used with permission of Vanguard Records.
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