Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys had an amazing run of releases starting with their 1990 debut right on up to their last studio record to date, 2015's "Voyageurs." I came in around 1998 with "Bayou Ruler," mostly because of my love for C.C. Adcock's 1994 debut. C.C. played some guitar on "Bayou Ruler," and that album kickstarted my love affair with the Mamou Playboys.
Riley was also a key member of Lil' Band O' Gold, a supergroup of Lousiana legends that featured Adcock, Warren Storm, David Egan, Dickie Landry and Richard Comeaux. The output of all of these people, either separately or together, constitutes some of my very favorite music from Louisiana.
Yesterday, I revisited The Mamou Playboys 2011 release "Grand Isle," a record that I played to death upon its release. Listening again after a long layoff made me realize just why I loved it so much then. It perfectly captures the heart and soul of traditional Cajun music, and yet sounds like something fresh and unique. Some of it reminded me of Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros, which makes sense since Joe was a fan.
I'm not sure where you stand on Cajun music, but if you have even a modicum of interest and weren't sure where to start, listen to "Grand Isle." It's more than just fiddles and washboards. I bet dollars to donuts, it will surprise you in the best ways.
4 comments:
love, love, love this shoutout to my homeland--thank you
This Grand Isle record is, well…grand!
Yep - I was pleasantly surprised!
Always love to hear Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys. Puts me in a Jazzfest mood.
Post a Comment