Beausoleil – Gitane Cajun
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Posted On November 1, 2004
Beausoleil’s Vanguard debut, Gitane Cajun, is their first release in five years, and their 27th since forming in 1975. The album’s title — translated Cajun Gypsy — reflects both the broad range of influences that have shaped Cajun culture and the musical interests of a band that has been playing for over a quarter-century. The result is an eclectic mix of bluesy pop tunes, accordion-driven zydeco, country swing and traditional dance numbers.
Alongside newer material by leader Michael Doucet are several tributes to the band’s musical heroes. “Lena Mae” is from the repertoire of accordion player Lawrence Walker; “Malinda” is a tune Doucet recorded with the late Canray Fontentot. “Bye, Bye Boozoo” remembers Zydeco legend Boozoo Chavis; Doucet composed “Me And Dennis McGee” as an homage to the Cajun fiddler.
Doucet has long been recognized as a fiddle virtuoso. His brother David consistently supplies perfect acoustic guitar fills; “Peux Pas Me Refuser” (“You Can’t Refuse Me”) and “Chere Bebe” especially showcase his work. Accordion player Jimmy Breaux can trace his musical roots back two generations. Al Tharp, Billy Ware and Tommy Alesi form a stellar rhythm section throughout this project.
Cindy Cashdollar contributes swampy dobro licks and soaring steel guitar. David Egan guests on piano, and Rushad Eggleston plays cello on the original tune “Windhorse Eyes”, which is perhaps the only Shambhala Buddhist reference in the history of Cajun music.
