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Archive Files of Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco Musicians |
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Jimmy Breaux and
Friends: |
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As I recall, when I was driving down from Eunice Sunday morning for 2006 Festivals Acadiens in Lafayette, the weather was already threatening rain that would turn the grounds into a muddy mess later in the afternoon. But nothing deters Cajun music fans, especially when they have a chance to be there for a special performance of Jimmy Breaux and Friends, a group featuring the long-time accordionist for double-Grammy winner BeauSoleil, joined by other top musicians. As I expected, a large, enthusiastic crowd had assembled in front of the Heritage Stage by the time the band kicked off at 11:15 with a set featuring ten Cajun favorites, recorded live by Terry Huval and released on CD in 2008 as Jimmy Breaux and Friends: Live at Festivals Acadiens. If there were a royal line in Cajun music, Jimmy Breaux would be member of the nobility. His great-grandfather was Auguste Breaux, and his great aunt, Cléoma Falcon Breaux, sang and played on the first Cajun recording “Allons à Lafayette,” which is the first cut on the CD. His grandfather, Amédée Breaux, made the first recording of “Jolie Blonde.” His parents and other family members were also musicians, and his stepfather, the late U.J. Meaux (who played with Walter Mouton for many years and died only a few months before the CD was recorded), was another inspiration (the CD is dedicated to him). But, while Cajuns have great respect for their ancestors and their traditions, they judge people for who they are today, and by that measure, Jimmy Breaux is one of the top musicians anywhere. Fans have long admired his mastery of the accordion as a member of BeauSoleil since 1984, so it is a pleasure to seem him featured on his own new CD, especially on a live recording that captures the crowd’s excitement. (Breaux previously released Le Chemin Que T'as Pris, winner of the 1997 Le Cajun award, and, in 1992, Un 'Tit Peu Plus Cajun.) Among Jimmy’s friends on the 2008 CD is Jamey Bearb, a superb vocalist and fiddle player, who, in addition to the opening cut, sings “Mermentau Waltz,” “Je suis pas un couillon,” “Lonely Girl Waltz,” and “Elle savait pas j’étais marié” (the D.L. Menard standard). Instrumentals include “Papa George Special” and “Scott Playboys Special.” Michael Doucet and his brother, David, join Jimmy on Dewey Balfa’s “Équand j’étais pauvre,” with David on vocals. Paul Daigle’s “Accordion Two-Step” showcases both Jimmy on accordion and Michael Doucet on fiddle. The performance concludes with a petal-to-the-floor rendition of “Evangeline Special.” Other friends are Roddie Romero on electric guitar, Jeff Romero on drums, and Bryan Bourque on bass guitar. The CD was released by Way Down in Louisiana. –David Simpson, LSUE, February 15, 2009 |
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