MEDICINE SHOW Vol. 3:
Gatherings of The Tribes, a 2 CD set Live at Grant Street Dancehall - various
AAC – 1301
avaliable at the
Louisiana Music Factory
This is a rousing collection of music that was recorded at Medicine Shows 3 through 6 on Dec. 26,1999: Dec. 22, 2000; Dec. 22, 2001; and Dec. 28, 2002 at the Grant Street Dancehall in Lafayette, Louisiana. These are put on every year to honor Tommy Commeaux, a founding member of BeauSoleil, and a respected pathologist. Tommy was killed while riding his bike and the world is a bit poorer for his absence. Tommy was one of the kindest and most caring people you might run across. My first time in New Orleans and at Jazz Fest Tommy went way out of his way to be kind and friendly – offering tips on where to eat, who to not miss, and some tickets to some shows BeauSoleil was doing. There was no incentive for doing this, he had no idea I was a writer, we had just met through a good friend of his who was a new acquaintance of mine. Mine is just one of the many stories of kindness that abound in the vicinity of Tommy.
His friends, to honor Tommy, set out to establish a traditional music program in Tommy’s name at the U. of Louisiana at Lafayette. That is where the money goes from this CD set, the annual dance, and sale of any and everything. That is why his friends and musicians in the area gather each year to put this annual Show together; donating their time, equipment, expertise, and most of all their love. Some of these artists you know of; Sonny Landreth, Zachary Richard, and Balfa Toujours; others you may not have heard of; Bas Clas, Rufus Jagneaux, and The Hardheads, but all have a relationship with Tommy and are fine musicians. These discs boldly and beautifully portray the rich musical tapestry of the Lafayette, Louisiana area.
With this melding of musicians and styles, we could have for a real hodge-podge of set, but because of the energy and feeling it is more like a big party in someone’s living room and all the seemingly disparate elements come together. The huge bonus here is you become acquainted with some music you never would have heard. The stunningly beautiful standout of Côte Blanche Bay a duet of Zachary Richard on acoustic guitar and vocals and Sonny Landreth on electric guitar; the haunting Nonc Tête Dure, done by the Bluerunners with Mark Meaux on fiddle and vocals, and Will Golden on lap steel guitar. Several cuts by the Traiteurs, a Sonny Landreth Al Berard led group, who have yet to play too far outside the home area, grace these discs, and should not be missed.
To get this disc call the Acadiana Arts Council at 337 233-7060 or visit www.TommyCommeaux.org, you will be very happy you did. Better yet attend the next Medicine Show and buy one in person.
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