Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness

09 Dec 08 - 02:37 PM (#2510947)
Subject: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Will Fly

Some may recall a recent thread from me where I asked for recommendations about hiring a Cajun accordion.

A fellow 'Catter PM-ed me, offering to lend me a Larry Miller Bon-Tee instrument, bought in Louisiana. Never met him before or exchanged any posting conversation with him.

Went to his home today and borrowed the instrument and 2 instructional DVDs for several weeks - no strings attached. Had a coffee and a most instructive conversation and friendly chat.

An example of the kindness of 'Catters! What a great gesture. I am very grateful.

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09 Dec 08 - 03:04 PM (#2510964)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: VirginiaTam

Yup! Dey is sum good folk on da Cat. Good luck learning on the loaner.

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09 Dec 08 - 03:27 PM (#2510992)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: PoppaGator

What luck that the two of you live so close together ~ well, on the same side of the ocean, anyway!

I find myself idly curious about who your benefactor might be, but I understand that it's none of my business. I respect your discretion in not broadcasting this person's identity.

Good luck & God bless to both of you.

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09 Dec 08 - 03:44 PM (#2511017)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: fat B****rd

Well done the accordion man and well done you Will Fly for such a positive post.
Bon ton roulet etc

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09 Dec 08 - 04:11 PM (#2511046)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: greg stephens

So, when are you going to start posting cajun accordion demonstrations on Youtube, eh?

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09 Dec 08 - 04:26 PM (#2511066)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Will Fly

So, when are you going to start posting cajun accordion demonstrations on Youtube, eh?

As long as there are people like The Boat Band's Tony Weatherall around - never!

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09 Dec 08 - 04:36 PM (#2511073)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Will Fly

Incidentally, Greg, it was good to see a pic of The Boat Band strutting their stuff and leading the procession in Congleton last Friday but one... (Picture in the Chronicle, 4th December).

As you see, I have my spies everywhere. I wish I'd been there in person to see it all - looked really bloody cold, though!

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09 Dec 08 - 04:44 PM (#2511081)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: greg stephens

We mised that pic...I must chase it up, thanks. Delighted to hear you are having a go at the accordion.Cajun music is a great thing. You will have to start a record collection. Amadee Ardoin, Jo Falcon and Iry Lejeune to start with I suppose for the historical roots. Then? Well, the sky's your oyster.
Perhaps others could contribute suggestions for improving listening for Will?

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09 Dec 08 - 04:49 PM (#2511087)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Will Fly

We mised that pic...I must chase it up, thanks.

I'll mail you a copy (taken by Tony with his iPhone).

All suggestions for Cajun listening will be very welcome. I also found out that there's a thriving Cajun scene in Kent - I might have to indulge...

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09 Dec 08 - 05:15 PM (#2511110)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Leadfingers

Its always good to see that 'The Good Guys' are still around , rather than the Trolls and Flamers ¬ Maybe I should ask if any one has a set of Small Pipes with an F or D chanter I could have a borrow of ?

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09 Dec 08 - 05:17 PM (#2511114)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: greg stephens

Yves Langlois the fiddler is your man for cajun in Kent, I think.

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09 Dec 08 - 11:32 PM (#2511363)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Effsee

..."Maybe I should ask if any one has a set of Small Pipes with an F or D chanter I could have a borrow of ?"...the ould lungs not up to it now LF me ould mate?

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10 Dec 08 - 01:54 AM (#2511409)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: VirginiaTam

I think I told you (or somebody) this in another thread (so many threads, so many people. Apologies if this is a repeat.

Jumbo Gumbo is a Zydeco band in Kent. Melodeonboy on the Mudcat should be able to give advice too.

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10 Dec 08 - 03:50 AM (#2511446)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Will Fly

Thanks Virginia - my friendly 'Catter mentioned Jumbo Gumbo, and also Dindon Sauvage (used to be wild Turkey but someone else got there first!). I've actually got some Zydeco CDs tucked away somewhere, and will haul them out.

My first memories of the music are hearing Clifton Chenier, many years ago - and I can still remember the first time I heard Rockin' Sidney's "Toot Toot"!

But I must dig back further...

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10 Dec 08 - 04:31 AM (#2511462)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: melodeonboy

What an upliftng thread. Good for you, Will, and full marks to the very generous person who lent you the box.

There's so much great zydeco to be heard, but might I suggest your having a listen to the following?:

Geno Delafose
Boozoo Chavis
Keith Frank

Good luck with your playing,

Kevin (Jumbo Gumbo)

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10 Dec 08 - 04:52 AM (#2511475)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Will Fly

Thanks Kevin - I'll certainly take your valued advice. I loved the Jumbo Gumbo sound clips on your web site, and the Dindon Sauvage clips on the Kent Cajun site. I'm going to have to, as they say, haul my ass over to Hucking or somewhere similar for a little Creole cooking.

Actually, looking at pictures of the Hook and Hatchet in Hucking, I'm pretty sure I played there in the early 90s - in my rock'n roll days... it looks very familiar.

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10 Dec 08 - 05:06 AM (#2511482)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Newport Boy

The only Cajun CD in my collection is Cajun Soul - Eddy LeJeune, with DL Menard on guitar and Ken Smith on fiddle. I bought it after hearing them live in Bristol about 20 years ago. Great music.

Phil

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10 Dec 08 - 06:41 AM (#2511535)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Dead Horse

"Yves Langlois the fiddler is your man for cajun in Kent, I think."
Sorry Greg, Yves left UK to bring up his first born in Paris.
Cant for the life or me see why, the UK being such a friendly law abiding sort of place with great school system and all.
He will be making some return trips to keep in touch with our thriving music scene, so all is not lost.
And you can do a hell of a lot worse than listening to any of the Lejeune outpourings, either Iry (the master) or Eddy (son of).
Whole world of difference between Cajun an Zydeco. But some very interesting cross-over stuff too.
Might I add Pine Leaf Boys
and if you venture into cajun country, you couldnt do better than stay at Blue Moon which is in Lafeyette, where if you are too bushed to go find the best bands, they come to YOU and play on the back porch!
Jesse Lege and Bobby Michot are also two of the finest musicians and I am proud to say, personal friends of mine. Two great guys who give of their time and friendship with no holds barred. Real cajuns :-)
www.cajunbarn.co.uk

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10 Dec 08 - 07:04 AM (#2511552)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: melodeonboy

Newport Boy: I understand why you're so enthused; those three were fantastic.

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10 Dec 08 - 07:05 AM (#2511553)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Piers Plowman

From: Will Fly - PM
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 04:49 PM

"All suggestions for Cajun listening will be very welcome. I also found out that there's a thriving Cajun scene in Kent - I might have to indulge..."

I bought a two-CD set of Cajun some months ago in the "As Good As It Gets" series (at least, I think that's what it's called). It contains mostly historical recordings taken from 78s. It is excellent and well worth the few euros I paid for it.

The CD store where I live used to have CDs from this series, but I haven't seen them for a while. The other one I bought is "Country Blues" with mostly guitarists, and was also a bargain.

I also have the CD for "Cajun and Zydeco" from the "Rough Guide To" series, but I don't like it as much. For that matter, I don't like this series that much, although there are always a couple of songs I like on each of the CDs I've bought. I tend to prefer older and more traditional recordings and I don't like much "ethno-pop" or "ethno-kitsch".

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10 Dec 08 - 07:57 AM (#2511597)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Dead Horse

I hear ya. Rough is definately "rough".
But it does give ya an intro to find out who and what you might like in the genre.
Most of my collection comes from buying cd's direct from the performers, so I know just what I'm getting. That and yearly visits to Louisiana where I have been known to half empty the stock from Floyds in Ville Platte!
(another VERY friendly place ta visit)
As for Will Fly, I heard his music and knew I was dealing with a real muso, so it was no big deal to lend him my box which is in dire need of being "played", rather than being taken out once in a while and "one fingered", which is my idea of serious practise :-)
Besides, I also have one of Chairman Mao's finest, so I can always git that out if I fancy a challenge!!!

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10 Dec 08 - 12:59 PM (#2511841)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Will Fly

Well, I've just raided my (fairly large) record collection to see what I have in the Cajun/Zydeco field and - in addition to the Boat Band's excellent "Burning The Water" album, I have (from various sources):

Ma 'Tit Fille - Buckwheat Zydeco
Zydeco Gris Gris - BeauSoleil
Oh Yeh Yai - Terrance Simien & The Mallet Playboys
Buck's Nouvelle Jole Blon - Buckwheat Zydeco
Pine Grove Blues - Dewey Balfa
Mardi Gras Boogie - Clifton Chenier & His Red Hot Louisiana Band
Les Filles Du Canada - Nathan Abshire
Acadien Two Step - The Balfa Brothers Orchestra
Triangle Special - Austin Pitre & The Evangeline Playboys
French Fiddle Boogie - Joe Bonsall &The Orange Playboys
Midnight Special - The Balfa Brothers Orchestra
Oson Two Step - Aldus Roger & The Lafayette Playboys
La Queue De Torture - Nathan Abshire
Love Bridge Waltz - Bessyl Duhon
One Is A Lonely Number - Phil Menard & His Louisiana Travellers
Fee Fee Ponchot - Don Monoucet & the Wandering Aces
Old Fashioned Two Step - The Balfa Brothers Orchestra
Zydeco Hee-Haw - Boozoo Chavis
That's What Makes The Cajun Dance - Rickey Bearb & The Cajun Ramblers Five
Hicks Wagon Wheel Special - Don Monoucet & the Wandering Aces
Me And My Cousin - Camey Doucet with Wayne Toups & The Crowley Aces
Mamou Hot Step - Ardoin Brothers Orchestra
L'annee Tu Partit - Ronnie Fruge & the Cajun Kings
Jolie Catan - Boozoo Chavis
La Cravat - Cajun Grass Band
Lacassine Special - The Balfa Brothers Orchestra
Johnny Can't Dance - Ardoin Family Orchestra with Dewey Balfa
Sheryl's Special - Sheryl Cormier with Blackie Forestier & the Cajun Aces
Harmonica Zydeco - Clifton Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band

Quite a variety of styles here! On balance, I'd say I have a leaning towards the older, simple style. I'm also a sucker for the tracks with the triangle on them - seems to make the music fly along a little faster... Lots to go at!

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10 Dec 08 - 05:10 PM (#2512045)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Dead Horse

"Fee Fee Ponchot - Don Monoucet & the Wandering Aces"
"Hicks Wagon Wheel Special - Don Monoucet & the Wandering Aces"
Thats Don Montoucet, or as he likes to spell it Mon2say :-)
He is a lovely old fella & is the last of the true teefer manufacturers.
Article about him here

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10 Dec 08 - 05:17 PM (#2512051)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Dead Horse

If you read the article you will see he claims that only one person (Christine Balfa) has broken one of his triangles - that aint true.
I bust one last year, but I didnt take it back for a refund, its worth more to me as is than have a new one (I already got three and wife has two) heh heh.

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10 Dec 08 - 07:44 PM (#2512159)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Art Thieme

Catters have done similar grand acts for me over the last decade. This computer I'm working with right now was given to me when my old one imploded on itself. I've tried to say thanks in various ways, but there is no way to adequately indicate how appreciative I am for all of your generosity and kindness. You all know who you are. So, once again,

THANK YOU!!!!!

Art

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11 Dec 08 - 03:27 AM (#2512330)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Will Fly

We (the Unreel Ceilidh Band) were playing "Speed The Plough" at a dance recently, and our caller/drummer was playing 8-to-the-bar on an old horseshoe. Made a huge difference to the rhythm of the piece. It was interesting to read in the NYT article that Don Montoucet uses old tines from agricultural machinery - the older the better!

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11 Dec 08 - 08:13 AM (#2512509)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Dead Horse

Hard to get now......(sings)"...in the rare old tines"


(Runs away)

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11 Dec 08 - 10:20 PM (#2513188)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: olddude

Without people on the cat, I would never have picked up the guitar again. Didn't think I could play anymore. When I get really down. I read something and bust out laughing because some insane catter went off on something. That is just the way it is. I had someone I never met only knew him from email send me some Van Ronk Cd's .. because I like Van Ronk .. and he knew it would make me smile. This place is just a website. But the hearts attached to the fingers that type on this website.. is indeed special

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23 Jan 09 - 10:27 AM (#2547001)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: greg stephens

Canray Fontenot being discussed on another thread led me to some wonderful accordion. For the benefit of Will Fly(and anyone else) check out Bois Sec Ardoin and Canray Fontenot doing the

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23 Jan 09 - 10:31 AM (#2547006)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: greg stephens

Seem to have lost my link

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23 Jan 09 - 10:31 AM (#2547007)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: greg stephens

Canray Fontenot being discussed on another thread led me to some wonderful accordion. For the benefit of Will Fly(and anyone else) check out Bois Sec Ardoin and Canray Fontenot doing the Eunice Twostep

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23 Jan 09 - 10:41 AM (#2547013)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Rog Peek

Newport Boy, I was at that live show in Bristol, was it really 20 years ago?
I have an autographed LP 'Cajun Soul' which I purchased after the show. Of course Eddie LeJeune sadly passed away in 2001.
obituary

Rog

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23 Jan 09 - 11:17 AM (#2547040)
Subject: RE: Cajun accordion - 'Catter's kindness
From: Will Fly

Thanks Greg - what a great clip! That stays firmly in my "Movies" folder!

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