Search - Various Artists :: Cajun Early Recordings

Essential Cajun Music collection

Kevin Fontenot | New Orleans, LA United States | 06/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This four CD box is a great value not only for the price, but because of all the wonderful music included (and the sound quality is very good). Basically, this is the starter set for anyone who wants to learn more about early recorded Cajun music. All the big early names are here--Lawrence Walker, Joe & Cleoma Falcon, the Breaux Brothers etc. Especially important are the recordings of Leo Soileau's string band which are rarely released despite the fact that Leo led one of the most important bands in South Louisiana in the 30s and 40s. It is instructive to have these recordings boxed together because the listener gets a great overview of the diversity of Cajun music during the pre-WW2 period. You can also hear the post war dancehall sounded perculating in Lawrence Walker's burning sides. He was ahead of this time and it is too bad he gets so little credit for his pioneering role in Cajun music. JSP is planning a second set, but I would love to see a box set of Soileau's complete recordings or those of the Breaux-Falcon family complex. An absolutely essential set for Cajun and Country fans."

Early Sounds From The Bayou..

R. Webb | u.s.a. | 03/23/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Traditional real Cajun music from the archives,1920's and 30's,this excellent four disc box set is loaded with 102 songs!, all are recorded in various cities - New Orleans,New York,Atlanta,San Antonio,Richmond,Memphis,Chicago,and Dallas, featuring various artist, The Breaux Family,Leo Soileau,Joe Falcon,Dennis McGee,Amede Ardion-two songs,and The Hackberry Ramblers. The Hackberry Ramblers featured on disc D, is probably more on the lines of western swing, The Breaux Family and Leo Soileau,disc B,C, are more on the hardcore Cajun style with the accordian and French lyrics,disc A is the same,with Joe Falcon and four tracks from Mayuse LaFleur, - just like the soundtrack you hear on the motion picture,SOUTHERN COMFORT,in the last scene,starring Powers Boothe and Keith Carradine,with a cameo appearance from Cajun legend,fiddler Dewey Balfa,so,if you should ever get lost on the bayou,most likely you'll hear the echoes of this unique Cajun style music,it's guaranteed to bring you back. These early essential Acadian recordings on JSP records are remastered, with biographies and discographies, imported from the UK, this is a must for any country collection,it's much better than good."