Steve Riley and
the Mamou Playboys
BAYOU RULER
Rounder 6083
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This album comes out of the chutes with a jump that is miles high, twisting with a different rhythm than that which is expected, and you know you are in for 'the ride' if you can take a deep seat and go with it. I like the new direction and also feel that a certain something has been lost in the process. Whether this is long term or not who knows, probably not even the band. There is a feeling that some listeners would have been initially happier with this disc if it had not come out as a "Steve Riley" disc. With that label attached to it came a certain expectation (banishing expectations should be worked on anyway) that was not fulfilled, but because it has some very strong elements working in its favor it is a very exciting disc. Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, purveyors of traditional Cajun music, range far out of the bayous to incorporate most all the musical styles of Southern Louisiana. Bringing in the traditional Zydeco of Clifton Chenier (this they have flirted with for a stretch), the 50s country swing influence, swamp rock, and plain, straight ahead down the road Rock and Roll. Those of you who are Traditionalists should still be happy with this disc because it uses as its base the very secure foundation that this band has established in Cajun music as its launching pad into its musical forays into new territories. As with all the S.R. & the M.P."s efforts it displays the same musical drive at perfection that we have come to expect from them. The guests that appear on this disc do nothing but enhance the efforts that are made. Listen to KING ZYDECO, a Steve Riley-C.C. Adcock penned tune, the additional musicians support the style shift and help to swing it across. I think a nod to C.C. Adcock and Tarka Cordell as the producers here is extremely important. They took this gamble and helped to turn it into a winning disc. There still is some ineffable spirit lost with this disc, for all its strong points, but maybe it is the strong step to again revitalize Cajun music which seems to need to go through a periodic renaissance.
Songs, times, writers and guest musicians
1. BAYOU RULER - 4:08 - Jimmy Mcdonell-C.C. Adcock
Steve playing the Leslie accordion
2. LASSIE-MOI CONNAITRE (accent ^ over the i)- 2:57 - David Greely-C.C. Adcock
Randall Foreman - pedal steel guitar
3. MY TRUE LOVE (VOYAGE D'AMOUR) - 4:02 - Dewey Balfa
4. TOUGH GET GOING - 3:03 - David Greely
5. KING ZYDECO - 3:18 - Steve Riley-C.C. Adcock
Paul "Lil Buck" Senegal - guitar
Joseph "Zydeco Joe" Mouton - rubboard
Four Kings and an Ace - Tarka, Jimmie Wood, King Cotton, Tony Latiolais and "Lil Buck"
6. LA ROSEE (accent ' over the first e) - 3:33 - David Greely
7. ALL FOR THE BETTER - 3:54 - Steve Riley
8. J'AI ETE-Z-AU BAL (accent ' over both e) - Trad. arr. Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys
9. CHEZ PERSONNE - 3:58 - Peter Schwarz-David Greely
10. CLIND'OEIL (THE WINK) - 3:33 - David Greely
Joseph "Zydeco Joe" Mouton - rubboard
11. JE SUIS PAS UN COUILLON - 3:27 - Belton Richard
Eddie Cheneddie Baytos - piano
12. MAMA TOLD PAPA - 3:18 - Clifton Chenier
Joseph "Zydeco Joe" Mouton - rubboard
13. LET ME KNOW (LAISSE-MOI CONNAITRE (accent^ over the i)- 3:00 - David Greely-C.C. Adcock
Randall Foreman - pedal steel guitar
Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys - (instrumentation on this disc not given but I went back to an earlier disc hope it inclusive and correct)
Steve Riley - accordions, fiddle, vocals
David Greely - fiddle, saxophone, piano, vocals
Peter Schwarz - bass, vocals
Jimmy Domengeaux - guitars
Kevin Dugas - drums and triangle
C.C. Adcock-additional guitars
Produced by - C.C. Adcock and Tarka Cordell