Cajun Music Pioneer

by Joseph Falcon

Overview

The special atmosphere of a real "fais do-do," a Cajun country dance, is captured here on this live recording by Cajun music innovator, Joe Falcon. He made the very first Cajun recording back in 1928, of "Allons a Lafayette," a version of which can be heard here. Falcon was one of the very first instrumentalists to bring together accordion and the more traditional fiddle on rural Louisiana folk songs. Though the album's less-than-perfect recording conditions occasionally blur some of the lyrics, to have a document of a "fais do-do" from 1963 is a rare treat. Falcon, who died in 1965, had a plaintive, inimitable singing voice, as this album makes clear. His wife, Theresa Falcon, who is heard here on "99 Year Waltz" and "Le Traces de Mon Buggy," has the same timbre to her voice. The album includes "Jolie Blonde" and other classic Cajun tunes, as well as French covers of American songs. "Corinne, Corrina" is a familiar number. "Hip et Taiaut" has a very Western feel to it--Joe Falcon as a Cajun Gene Autry. This recording is a must-have for those interested in the Cajun French tradition.

Product Details

Release Date:	04/22/1997
Label:	Arhoolie
UPC:	0096297045923
Rank:	124421

Tracks

1. Joe's Breakdown
2. 99 Year Waltz
3. Corrine, Corrina
4. Jole Blonde
5. Lacasine Special
6. Le Traces de Mon Buggy
7. Osson Two-Step
8. La Valse de St. Landry
9. Hip et Taiaut
10. Creole Stomp
11. Myer's Waltz
12. Allons a LaFayette
13. La Valse a Nonc Gustave
14. Allons Danser Colinda
15. Les Flambes D'Enfer

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Joseph Falcon   Primary Artist,Vocals,Accordion
Joe Falcon   Primary Artist
Allen Richard   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals
Theresa Falcon   Primary Artist,Drums,Vocals
Lionel LeLeux   Fiddle

Technical Credits

Wayne Pope   Artwork
Theresa Falcon   Producer
Chris Strachwitz   Liner Notes,Cover Photo,Editing
Traditional   Composer
Joseph Falcon   Composer