This release from LaTouché contains some of the very best traditional Cajun music, written by Iry LeJeune, Link Davis, L. Walker, Sidney Semien (aka Rockin' Sidney), Harry Choates (the fiddler king of Cajun swing), Clyde Thompson, and Wilson Touchet. LaTouché gives a high-energy beat to a tight and beautifully mastered rendition of "Bosco Stomp," which features sizzling fiddle and accordion playing. Thompson is one of the '90s finest Cajun/zydeco fiddle players, having captured the essence and the beauty of the Cajun-fiddle signature sound. Although his fine playing is found throughout the album, some of his hottest riffs happen on "Mardi Gras" and "Lawtell Two Step." Touchet, whose vocals are found on most of the songs here, can croon out lyrics in true Cajun French with the best of 'em. Though Touchet leads the band's vocal expositions, his accordion playing is as much a part of the music as his vocals. Whether he's contributing accentuations or taking the lead solo, his playing is an intricate and very important part of the overall intensity of the arrangements. Some of his steamiest squeezebox licks can be heard on Walker's "Les Petits Yeux Noirs" and Semien's "Alligator Waltz." Eddy Deloney contributes stellar guitar throughout the album. His rhythm work is unrivaled, with expressive accentuations, tight chordal arrangements, and lead solos that are very articulate and melodic. The rhythm section extraordinaire of bassist Byo D Myo and drummer/rubber boardist Calvin Gaudin lay down a very solid foundation. This album stands as one LaTouché's greatest accomplishments, and is an absolute must for any Cajun music library.
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