The Savoy-Doucet
Cajun Band
Sam’s Big Rooster
Arhoolie – 481
Released – 2000
available on amazon
It is because of people like this that the future of Cajun music is secure, and this is because they have built a solid foundation from the past. They have researched the past, they know the whys and ‘where fors’ of their heritage and its music. Because this is so solidly rooted in not just the past music but the intention of the people that made the music, that it becomes a bridge to the future. It is a tribute to these three musicians that this disc has a life of its own and is not just an empty technical reproduction of the traditional music. Each of these musicians has a life of his own and interests outside of this group and I think this is one of the forces that creates the vibrancy in this disc. Marc Savoy has been a long acknowledged master of Cajun traditions and music, particularly the accordion, and his house is famous as a site of Cajun gathering and jams. Ann Savoy has a wonderful book, “Cajun Music: A Reflection of a People”, is a vital part of The Magnolia Sisters, and a wonderful guitar player. Michael Doucet is one of the driving forces behind Beausoleil, and a fiddle player, who not only is considered one of the finest traditional fiddlers, but also one of the most innovative. To take a sample listen to what is done to the traditional tune by Aldus Roger, Mardi Gras Jig, listen to the melding of tradition and innovation. A true tour de force that will leave you dancing, grinning and marveling at the joy transmitted in the music.
Produced by The Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band
Songs, times and writers
1 Sam’s Big Rooster (Le Gros Guime a Sam) – 3:56 – Marc Savoy
2 Be Careful, You’re Breaking My Heart – (Attention C’est Mon Coeur Qui Va Casser) – 4:14 – Aldus Roger
3 Two Step Pour Milton Adams – 3:41 – Marc Savoy
4 She Made Me Lose My Mind – 3:13 – Marc Savoy
5 Mardi Gras Jig – 6:03 – Aldus Roger
6 Duralde – 3:40 – Iry LeJeune
7 Les Culottes A Lollypop (Lollypop’s Underwear) – 2:37 - Gerald Dole
8 J.B.’s Waltz – 2:52 – arr. Michael Doucet/Marc & Ann Savoy
9 Si Tu Veux Amuser – (If You Want To Have Fun) – 2:50 – Marc & Ann Savoy
10 La Bonne Vie (The Good Life) – 4:29 – Marc & Ann Savoy
11 Alton’s Two-Step 2:36 – trad. arr. Marc Savoy
12 La Valse D’Evia – 4:18 – Wade Frugé
13 Party Girl’s Blues – 2:32 – Ann Savoy
14 Jolie Bassett – 3:40 – Canray Fontenot
15 Doc Guidry Medley (“Tit Maurice” &”Doc’s Fiddle”) – 3:27 – Michael Doucet
16 Un Tramp Sur La Rue (The Tramp On The Street) – 4:50 – G.Cole & H.Cole
17 Hop, Skip, and Jump – 4:14 – Marc Savoy
18 C’Était Dessus Un Triste Samedi (It Was On A Sad Saturday) – 2:12 – Ann Savoy
19 Amédé Two Step (Two Step Pour Amadee Ardoin – 6:40 – Marc Savoy
The Musicians
Marc Savoy – accordion (vocals #1)
Ann Savoy – guitar (vocals #2, 4, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, &18)
Michael Doucet – fiddle – (vocals #6 & 18)
“guests”
Joel Savoy – bass, lead fiddle#1-, 2nd fiddle on 11 & 15
Tina Pioline – bass #8, 15, & 16
Anthony Daigle – bass #13
on live cuts #5 &19 – Doug Lohman – bass and Paul Laughridge - drums