The superb La Musique Creole is most notable for its inclusion of the rare 1966
Alphonse "Bois Sec" Ardoin and
Canray Fontenot LP Les Blues du Bayou, the record cut in the wake of the duo's triumphant appearance at that year's Newport Folk Festival. Long renowned as among the finest Creole records ever made, its 16 tracks capture
Ardoin and Fontenot at the peak of their powers; their interplay on cuts like "Les Blues du Voyager," "Duralde Ramble," and the bluesy instrumental "La Danse de la Misere" borders on the telepathic. The inclusion of eight tracks from a 1971 Arhoolie LP also titled La Musique Creole, as well the Ardoin Family Orchestra's previously unreleased "Ardoin Two-Step," is just the icing on the cake. A must for all Creole fans. ~ Jason Ankeny