Search - Mello Joy Boys :: Tasse Cafe

Unreal !

K. Normand | Lafayette, LA - The Heart of Cajun Country | 05/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The rave reviews are already pouring in. New Orleans and Lafayette papers are all over this... and for a good reason. When the Lost Bayou Ramblers pick up their coffee mugs and become the Mello Joy Boys, they throw out the rule book (as if they ever had one) and play what feels good.



Yes, there's a theme. To quote Ryan A. Brasseaux's album insert, "the Mello Joy Boys represent the zenith of the Cajun swing revival; a project that presents a side of Cajun music that, until recent years, has been neglected by dance bands, music aficionados, and Cajun music scholarship."



But this album goes beyond Cajun. It's for anyone who loves Louisiana music. Popular Louisiana radio stations are already playing numerous tracks. Why? Because it is down-right revolutionary. Catchy swing classics are brought back to life by the Ramblers' incredible fiddler and vocalist Louis Michot. His brother Andre' is pumping some heavy-duty steel on most tracks. Guitarist Jean Bertrand rocks it out in "Johnny", a variation of Chuck Berry's hit. Chris Courville and Alan LaFleur keep the music upbeat as always. Wilson Savoy adds a new piano twist to the Ramblers' more traditional sound, playing a key role in "Mon Soleil" (French/English variation of "You are my Sunshine") and other tracks. And special guests Josh Caffery, D'Jalma Garnier, Cavan Carruth, and Ryan Brasseaux keep you on your feet with the mandolin, banjo, and backup vocals.



Yes, this is the new "must have" for any collector of Louisiana music. But be careful, my whole family's already become addicted.

"