Search - Leftover Salmon :: Ask the Fish

Polyethnic Cajun Slamgrass at its best

Nobody important | 06/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Several of my favorite albums that were out of print for a while are finally back in print, including this gem from one of the most eclectic bands around. They refer to their music as "polyethnic cajun slamgrass," and you will know why when you here their music, which blends just about every western music form in a jam rock format. As a jam band, they are at least on par with Widespread Panic, but are more creative. Once you hear their version of Memphis Minnie's "When the Levee Breaks," you will be an instant fan. A far cry from the Led Zeppelin cover, they turn it into a reggae/blues/bluegrass jam that will leave you with your jaw on the floor. Further listening: Widespread Panic's "Light Fuse, Get Away"-- best live blues/southern rock jams since the Allman Brothers. Jerry Douglas's "Restless on the Farm"-- bluegrass, blues, rock, middle-eastern, and everything in between. Actually, try everything Jerry Douglas has ever recorded. The Tony Furtado Band's self titled release-- bluegrass, blues, celtic, jazz, rock, all done with an improvisational spirit by some of the best musicians around. Sonny Landreth's "Levee Town"-- blues, rock, cajun and country by one of the most inventive slide guitarists around. J.J. Cale's "Naturally"-- just plain great songs from the guy Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, and everyone else wanted to be."