Cajun String Bands-The 1930'S: Cajun Breakdown CD

25 Cajun tracks from the 1930s, reflecting the transition of Cajun music to arrangements that placed the fiddle at the fore and did away with the accordion. Almost half of the cuts belong to J.B. Fuselier, with four by Leo Soileau, one by the Dixie Ramblers, and seven by Luderin Darbone, fiddler of the Hackberry Ramblers (who back him on the selections here). Fuselier sounds like early Western swing with a Cajun fiddle; Clifford Breaux has a rawer, lazier charm, particularly on "Continuez de Sonner." There's a lot of spontaneity in these sessions, with unpredictable calls that sound like cousins to the ones that dotted Bob Wills' arrangements, though it can get a little monotonous over the course of the CD. It's not as diverse or interesting as some other early Cajun comps, like Cajun Dance Party, but still of considerable value to enthusiasts of Cajun '30s music, or early roots music in general. ~ Richie Unterberger

Feat.J.B.Fuselier,Leo Soileau Luderin Darbone & More

Personnel: Clifford Breaux (vocals, fiddle); Cleoma Breaux Falcon (dobro); Hector Stutes (fiddle).

Editor: Chris Strachwitz.