Best Of The Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band CD

This Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band greatest-hits compilation was culled from four previous albums on Arhoolie. The performers are the undisputed masters of Cajun music, as one familiar with the genre already knows prior to picking up the album. It's generally a loping bit of work on some vaguely scratchy fiddle tunes, with the constant strum from Ann Savoy in the background. Marc Savoy's accordion work is perhaps some of the most outstanding Cajun accordion one will hear, though it's relatively rare for him to go out on a major solo run here, preferring to stick with the other players more often. On the whole, it's an entirely worthwhile album for fans of the genre or of the group, as the bandmembers work through a number of old songs from the traditional books and the old masters of the genre, as well as a few slightly newer numbers written to sound like the old forms. This is music more complex than the Savoys can make on their own, and out of the comfort zone for Michael Doucet's usual ventures with Beausoleil. Pick it up for a nice look at the work that the Savoys have done alongside Doucet, and a nice overview of the old Cajun forms, both slow and quick. ~ Adam Greenberg

Doug Lohman (bass); Paul Laughridge (drums).

Producers: Chris Strachwitz, The Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band. Includes liner notes by The Savoy-Doucet Band, Chris Strachwitz.

Personnel: Ann Savoy (vocals, guitar); Michael Doucet (vocals, fiddle); Marc Savoy (vocals, accordion).

Liner Note Authors: Chris Strachwitz; Marc Savoy; Michael Doucet; Ann Savoy.

Recording information: Minneapolis, MN.

Photographers: Phil Gould ; Ann Savoy.

Arranger: Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band.

Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band: Ann Savoy (vocals, guitar); Marc Savoy (vocals, fiddle, accordion); Michael Doucet (vocals, fiddle).

Additional personnel: Tina Pilione, Beth Weil, Joel Savoy, Billy Wilson,