The Band Courtbouillon

Valcour Records

Courtbouillon is defined as “a preparation of salted water, white wine, herbs, and various other ingredients, in which fish, shellfish, or vegetables are cooked.”

The Band Courtbouillon was named after this broth used in Cajun cooking. The band won a Grammy at the 55^th annual Grammy awards for Best Regional Roots Album. The album was released in 2011.

This super group is comprised of three principals each considered among the best of our Cajun accordionists and each the leader of his own band.

This is traditional Cajun dance music.

Steve Riley is leader of the Mamou Playboys. The band was formed over 25 years ago. My favorite of their albums is 1995’s “La Toussaint” which is a bit more rockin’ than some of their more traditional recordings. They have thirteen albums overall. They along with “Beausoleil” are among the genre’s most successful groups. Riley is also a member of the “Lil Band of Gold”.

Wayne Toups is the much heralded leader of “Zydecajun” the band formed in 1990. Toups is credited withcombining Cajun music with Zydeco rhythms. His music is Cajun rock as he is less the traditionalist. He has fifteen records to his name.

Wilson Savoy is the third principal member of Courtbouillon and the leader of the award winning Pine Leaf Boys. They have seven recordings.

Eric Frey, bassist, completes the band. Courtbouillon has included six traditional Cajun tunes and covers of songs by the Touchet Brothers, Iry Lejeune, Lawrence Walker, Johnny Credeur, Shirley Bergeron, and DL Menard. I’ll never forget seeing D.L. Menard, a Louisiana cowboy at the 1968 Newport Folk Festival. The songs are sung in French and frankly I don’t know the language. The listener however can feel the music’s affection as the lyrics are about love lost. It’s also impossible not to want to get up and dance.

Courtbouillon will be appearing at Lincoln Center on June 28^th as part of the 2014 Mid-Summer Nights Swing celebration. This is a dancing room only show.

Richard Ludmerer

To Listen to and Purchase The Band Courtbouillon CD click below!!