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Coteau

HIGHLY SEASONED CAJUN MUSIC

Rounder 6078
available on Amazon

Coteau in the local language of southern Louisiana means higher ground or ridge.  This is a most apt name for this band as their music, on this reunion disc, stands as a beacon for what many bands have been reaching for in the years since this group split up in 1977.  I had heard rumors about them during their playing days from a northern friend who had gone to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and then got lost in the swamps for a month or two.  He came back north singing the praises of a band that combined the Allman Brothers with Cajun music, in their presentation.  All he had was the name "Coteau" and no other information.  20 years later we get to hear the music burst forth in its entire splendor.  While other bands that combined the sensibilities of Rock with their 'local' music and have become successful, witness Los Lobos among others, this band never did hit it.  Michael Doucet has gone on to tremendous success with his more traditional band BeauSoleil, and several of the others continued as professional musicians, but the band was lost for whatever reasons until now.  Turn up the volume control, move back the furniture, and just push the play button.  Listen to their treatment of some of the traditional songs we have gotten to know through BeauSoleil's work.  Songs such as ARCADIAN TWO-STEP and BOSCO/MOSCO STOMP, the twin fiddles and accordion prompt the Cajun dance hall, seamless melding with those twin lead guitars that seem to spin webs and encircle the song.  What dance hall are we in?  Does it matter?  This highly infectious melding of traditional Cajun music with Southern Rock and Roll is one of the highlights of this years musical releases.  Run out and grab it.

 

 

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