Category Archives: Music

BeauSoleil at Monteith Riverpark

The Cajun group BeauSoleil has been making music for well over a quarter-century, and doing so with mostly the same members for about two decades. They pretty much single-handedly made Cajun a legitimate component of World music (whatever that is), … Continue reading

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Dr. John’s Creole Moon

Patrick O’Donnell penn this review. If somebody tells you to pick up the latest album by Malcolm John Rebennack, you’ll probably say, “Huh? Who dat?” But if somebody says, “Dr. John,” then it’s a pretty sure bet you’ll know just what’s … Continue reading

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David Doucet’s 1957: Solo Cajun Guitar

David Doucet’s guitar playing is one of the key elements that have made Beausoleil the most popular Cajun band in the world. Whether on record or in concert, David’s calm demeanor and no-nonsense playing have anchored the band’s performance and … Continue reading

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BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet’s Gitane Cajun

A new record by BeauSoleil is always cause for celebration, and Gitane Cajun is no exception. It’s the band’s first studio recording since 1999’s Cajunization and Doucet & Co.’s first for the venerable Vanguard label. The band is closing in on 30 years as … Continue reading

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Beausoleil’s Arc de Triomphe Two Step

I’ve been a fan of Cajun music, and especially Beausoleil, since my wife introduced me to them shortly after we met around 1988. Sincethen, I’ve been to three or four Beausoleil performances, includingone very special dance with about 150 people … Continue reading

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Alison Krauss and Union Station’s Live 

Peter Hund penned this review. This is a natural time for Krauss and the boys to put out their first live album. After 15 years of paying her dues (five group albums, three solo releases and a collaboration with the Cox … Continue reading

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Dolly Parton’s Little Sparrow 

In the collection of “chick flicks” TBS broadcast on Super Bowl Sunday, one film stood out. It was slightly older, a little bit wiser, and offered charming performances by Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Julia Roberts and a virtually unrecognizable Daryl … Continue reading

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Great Northern’s Low Lonesome 

Great Northern came to my attention through their stellar instrumentals — heard one day on the CBC radio, causing me to beg our benevolent editor, Cat, to write away for their album. I absolutely love the way that the cello … Continue reading

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Chris Thile’s Not All Who Wander Are Lost

Chris Thile’s music is intricate and full of ideas. He is clearly very creative with melody and has been fortunate to surround himself with great players (whoever they are). Unfortunately, this advance copy of Wander, due to be released this month, … Continue reading

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Cats Laughing’s Bootleg Issue and Another Way to Travel 

The Estate Library may be the only place where you can go to read William Shakespeare’s The Trapping of the Mouse or Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Worm of Midnight” while listening to the music of Gossamer Axe or Snori Snoriscousin and His Brass Idiots. The … Continue reading

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