Eddie LeJeune
CAJUN SPIRIT
Rounder 6085
learn more about Eddie at
LSU
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amazon
There is a powerful spirit emanating from the speakers when the first number, CHURCH POINT BREAKDOWN, on this disc that marks the return to the recording world from Eddie LeJeune, whose absence was strongly marked in the Cajun musical world. This spirit is pervasive throughout this disc, giving it a strong base from which to start. The joy that fills his playing is apparent. For a fan of Cajun music this return, for a man who has spent his life promoting and preserving the integrity of his culture and its music, is a chance to get an ever fresh, yet traditional, approach to this music. He does not forsake the traditions he was raised with to jump to any new fad that comes along, yet this music continues to sound as fresh as that proverbial still steaming bread from the oven. I think it is that quality of the 'love' that he puts into his work. I know that is a term that turns many people off, but I honestly can't think of any other word that is as apropos to this situation. His voice reflects his deep commitment to the music. It is definitely a country voice, and not a deep growly voice that the picture would lead you to think he has. But it is perfectly suited to his music. Much of his music was handed down in the family. His father was the great Cajun songwriter Iry LeJeune, and penned the classic LA VALSE DE GRAND CHEMIN. In fact his father wrote 6 of the 16 songs. Eddie penned 2, one of which is, EH, MA MA, which is well on its way to becoming a standard of Cajun music. The other is the extreme other end of the emotional spectrum, a complete weeper of a song. One that would wrench the guts out of the rocks that dot the Sonoran desert and make them weep. His accordion playing is as evocative as his singing. It is both passionate and powerful, reflecting the variety of emotions, as well as being, when the situation calls, beautifully intricate. You will find the band stays with him and provides ample support for both his vocals and his accordion playing. This is a disc that would serve as a good introduction to Cajun music for the uninitiated, and is a beautiful reminder of what the music once was to those of you who know The music.
Songs, times and writers:
1 CHURCH POINT BREAKDOWN - 3:15 - copyright control
2 LA VALSE DE GRAND CHEMIN - 3:38 - Iry LeJeune
3 JEUNES GENS DE LA CAMPAGNE - 2:54 - Iry LeJeune
4 LA VALSE DE GRAND BOIS - 3:13 - Dewy Balfa
5 CADJIN DE CHURCH POINT - 4:32 - copyright control
6 OPELOUSAS WALTZ - 2:39 - Austin Pitre
7 EVANGELINE SPECIAL - 2:48 - Iry LeJeune
8 BAYOU CHENE WALTZ - 3:36 - Iry LeJeune
9 JOHNNY CAN'T DANCE - 2:47 traditional
10 CONVICT WALTZ - 3:00 - traditional
11 EH, MA MA - 3:08 - Eddie LeJeune
12 YOUR TURN TO CRY - 3:17 - Eddie LeJeune
13 LA VALSE DE CADJIN - 3:42 - Iry LeJeune
14 BELIZAIRE'S WALTZ - 3:37 - Nathan Abshire
15 LA TWO STEP CHATAN - 3:30 - Austin Pitre
16 J'AI PASSE DEVANT TA PORTE - 3:23 - traditional
musicians:
Eddie LeJeune - accordion
Terry Huval - fiddle and guitar
Hubert Maitre - guitar (& second vocals on J'AI PASSE DEVANT TA PORTE)
Produced by Eddie LeJeune & Terry Huval