Cajun music is alive and well in 2017 thanks to long-time artists like Beausoleil and Zachary Richard, but the scene is made richer by a host of younger musicians and bands bringing this unique Lousiana cultural form to all corners of the globe. Lost Bayou Ramblers is one of those important groups that can perform straight-up traditional Cajun music alongside newer approaches that up the intensity, tempo, and rock ‘n’ roll quotient in the songs and bring in other genre influences.
Lost Bayou Ramblers was formed by two brothers Louis Michot (fiddle and lead vocals) and Andre Michot (accordion and lap steel) that grew up playing in the family band Les Frères Michot. Those early experiences helped them hone their chops with a type of music demanding near virtuosity. Fast forward and the Michots have led the Lost Bayou Ramblers to a Grammy nomination and a supporting role on Arcade Fire’s Reflektor tour.
Now the band is set to release their latest album, Kalenda, on 29 September via Rice Pump Records. Kalenda celebrates the complex history and cultural diversity of Kalenda, which is by turns a Caribbean dance, a Louisiana rhythm, and a Cajun rock song. Kalenda cuts across both black and white / Creole and Cajun cultures through many forms.
To whet your appetite, enjoy this live performance video of the Lost Bayou Ramblers playing “Allons a Lafayette” as part of the American Epic Sessions. The song is a classic within Cajun music going all the way back to a 1928 B-side single by Joe Falcon and Cléoma Breaux, but the tune has even deeper roots as an old traditional tune called “Jeunes gens campagnard”.
“Allons A Lafayette” from The American Epic Sessions ©2017 Lo-Max Films Ltd.
DVD and Blu-ray available here
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack available here
For more information please visit americanepic.com