Release Date: 05 March, 2002
Audio CD
Tracks
- Vagabond Special - Cajun All-Star Band
- La Chanson d'une Fille de Quinze Ans - Linda Ronstadt and Ann Savoy
- Diggy Liggy Lo - John Fogerty
- Je Veux Plus Te Voir - Linda Thompson
- Pa Janvier Laisse Moi M'en Aller - Patty Griffin
- Les Flammes de'Enfer - Richard Thompson
- Ma Mule - David Johansen
- Ma Blonde Est Partie - Maria McKee
- Blues de Bosco - Rodney Crowell
- O, Ma Chere Tite Fille - Linda Ronstadt and Ann Savoy
- Valse de Balfa - Linda Thompson
- Two Step de Prairie Soileau - Cajun All-Star Band
- Arrette Pas La Musique - Nick Lowe
- Tout Un Beau Soir en me Promenant - Maria McKee
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Rating 4.5
Slight disagreement....I disagree with the previous review on a few things. First of all, CCR WAS influenced by Swamp Pop, but Swamp Pop is HEAVILY influenced by Cajun music; for those who don't know, it's essentially the music that came out when young Cajuns decided to play rock and roll instead of their own music, and they added Cajun instruments, rhythms and French lyrics to rock and roll, forming a "new" (but actually evolved) style of music. But that's just a technicality.
To make a forced distinction of Ann Savoy as an "adopted Cajun", while true, doesn't invalidate her knowledge of Cajun music and the lifestyle. She's been living in Eunice, LA for decades with her husband, Marc Savoy, the famous accordion builder and musician who played with such seminal musicians as Nathan Abshire and the Balfa Brothers. Ann became famous long ago for publishing "Cajun Music Vol. 1", which has become essentially a bible for Cajun musicians and fans of the music. Plus, don't forget the Cajun saying that there are three ways one can become a Cajun; you can be born Cajun, marry a Cajun, or come through "la porte d'en arriere" (the back door).
Lastly, to recommend Zachary Richard to someone who knows nothing about Cajun music is absurd. Richard is a singer-songwriter who plays primarily guitar (he's a relatively poor accordion player... his real strength is in his songwriting and stellar vocal skills). His music is, while phenomenal, a WORSE reflection of the true Cajun music sound than this record. For someone who really wants to get introduced to Cajun music, try an album by The Balfa Brothers, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, Balfa Toujours, or, to stay in the Savoy vein of things, the Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band or, best of all, the Savoy Family Band.
By the way, the name can be and is spelled both "Savoy" and "Savoie". Ann and her husband Marc spell it "Savoy". The area of Eunice where they live is also called "Savoy", after Marc's family, and driving up the highway, you see a sign that says so.Correction regarding "Jolie Blonde"I thought this album was lovely with haunting songs, especially Patty Griffin's "Pa Janvier, Laisse Moi M'en Aller," and Anne Savoy & Linda Ronstadt's "La Chanson d'une Fille de Quinze Ans." A correction of an earlier review by someone else: Jolie Blonde" does indeed make its appearance on this album, under the title of "Ma Blonde Est Partie." Different title, same melody!Nice idea, but simply does not deliver.As one of Cajun descent as well as a Cajun-French music fan, I must say that I am more disappointed than anything. To agree with the earlier reviews, the voices are great and the arrangements are tender, but on the flip-side, it lacks the soul one would expect in C-F music. John Fogarty, whom I love for his solo and CCR work, is actually a bit humurous in his song. His earlier "bayou" work was influenced by what is called "Swamp Pop", not Cajun-French.
The Savoie family is a cornerstone in the C-F industry, and Mrs. Savoie is truly a deserved "adoptee" into the Cajun culture from her native VA. Yet, this compilation simply does not do justice to the style. The singers lack depth, the French (as one could expect) is plastic at best, and the venture just does not hit a spot with me. What is the point of aged 'headliners' doing C-F music? It's kinda like having rap artists do a salute album to country. That is a bit of an exageration, but it supports my point that the album's, while the effort is noteworthy, quality and heart are simply absent.
If you are looking for a CD to get introduced to C-F music, try instead Zachary Richard--start with his 'Silver Jubilee' album. |
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