woodsmeister’s note: I asked my friend and fellow Live365 broadcaster Wayne Greene to break down the Cajun/Zydeco GRAMMY nominations for me. Wayne, aka radiowayne, is a singer/songwriter and in addition to his radiowayne folk and more station, broadcasts the best of Louisiana music at Bienvenue en Louisiane radio.
by Wayne Greene
Having Cajun and zydceco music in the same category is like having country music and rhythm and blues in the same category; it seems sometimes that we are comparing apples and oranges. This year’s five nominees included three primarily Cajun recordings, one primarily zydeco recording, and one recording that well represents both genres.
Alligator Purse – Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet (Yep Roc Records).
Beausoleil has been around since the mid-1970s and should always be considered the front runner. Alligator Purse is a very likeable recording. It is typically full of rousing two-steps from both traditional Cajun, contemporary Cajun, and other contemporary music cajunized. Guest artists include Natalie Merchant and John Sebastian. Cover material includes songs by Bob Dylan, Julie Miller, and J.J. Cale.
Lay Your Burden Down – Buckwheat Zydeco (Alligator Records)
Stanley Dural aka Buckwheat has been around a long time and is considered one of the premiere zydeco performers. However, this recording is primarily a rhythm and blues album. Other than an accordion and an occasional lyric mention of something Louisiana, this could have been recorded anywhere. This album is very accessible to the general public since it is rhythm and blues sung in English. It would be a travesty for Lay Your Buden Down to win this year.
Stripped Down –The Magnolia Sisters (Arhoolie Records)
The latest Magnolia Sisters recording is an absolute delight. It has the feel of visiting some folks in south Louisiana who are sitting around on the porch playing playing folk music. Stripped Down refers to the instrumentation, which is usually a fiddle or two, an accordion and maybe a guitar. The drones of the fiddles bring a swamp voodoo feel to the music. The harmonies are spot on and the musicianship inpeccable. This would be my choice for the award. My track record at chosing winners at the GRAMMY awards, however, is abysmal.
Live at the 2009 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – The Pine Leaf Boys (MunchMix, Inc)
The Pine Leaf Boys present Cajun music in its best element, live to an enthusiastic audience. The Pine Leaf Boys tackle Cajun music with youthful enthusiasm, thoughtful arrangements, and ability to take very old songs and make them contemporary without losing their roots. The Pine Leaf Boys have been nominated twice before, but should probably be considered a dark horse in this race.
L’Espirit Creole – Cedric Watson et Bijou Creole (Valcour Records)
L’Espirit Creole is a good choice for both Cajun and zydeco on one recording. Cedric Watson has a great feel for the music (both Cajun and zydeco), the older artists and styles, and contemporary rhythms. The recording is a delight and should have a very long shelf life. I would not be disappointed if this one was the winner.
