There is a powerful spirit emanating from the speakers when the first number on this disc, "Church Point Breakdown," marks
Eddie LeJeune's return to the recording world; his absence was strongly marked in the Cajun musical world. This spirit is pervasive throughout this disc, giving it a strong base from which to start. The joy that fills his playing is apparent. For a fan of Cajun music this return, by a man who has spent his life promoting and preserving the integrity of his culture and its music, is a chance to get an ever fresh, yet traditional, approach to this music. He does not forsake the traditions he was raised with to jump to any new fad that comes along, yet this music continues to sound as fresh as that proverbial "still steaming bread" from the oven. His voice reflects his deep commitment to the music. It is definitely a country voice, and not a deep growly voice that the cover picture would lead you to think he has. But it is perfectly suited to his music. Much of his music was handed down in the family. His father was the great Cajun songwriter Iry LeJeune, and penned the classic "La Valse De Grand Chemin." In fact his father wrote six of the 16 songs.
Eddie penned two, one of which, "Eh, Ma Ma," is well on its way to becoming a Cajun standard. The second veers toward the other end of the emotional spectrum: it's a complete weeper of a song; one that would wrench the guts out of the rocks that dot the Sonoran desert and make them weep. His accordion playing is as evocative as his singing. It is both passionate and powerful, reflecting the variety of emotions, as well as being, when the situation calls, beautifully intricate. The band stays with him and provides ample support for both his vocals and his accordion playing. This is a disc that would serve as a good introduction to Cajun music for the uninitiated, and is a beautiful reminder of the long, fine tradition of Cajun music. ~ Bob Gottlieb