Michael Doucet and
Beausoleil come up with another interesting album in
Cajunization. It has traditional sound, along with a variety of songs that have blues, jazz, and multiple genre influences. The musicians, guest artists, and band members, are of the highest caliber of talents in the Cajun genre. They put their heart and soul into every song and it comes out in the final products. These are songs that are worthy of becoming standards for future generations of the Cajun culture. The first cut on the album, "La Terre de mon Grandpére (My Grandfather's Land)," tells a story about how important the powerful spirit of the Cajun family is to the culture. The hot fiddle of
Michael Doucet carries the melody, challenged only by
Jimmy Breaux's electrifying accordion playing.
Beausoleil follows the traditional style by using the
Dennis McGee sound formula. One of the most intriguing tunes on the album is "Zarico Boogie"; it has a
ZZ Top boogie beat blended with a jazz feel. This genre-blending song is a fabulous piece of original artistry. Whether your search is for traditional Cajun music, or for some music that has branched off from the well-traveled path,
Beausoleil will deliver. True Cajun spirit is at the foundation, but
Beausoleil is building skyscrapers with their expansions on the genre. The founding fathers of Cajun music must be very proud of their children and their disciples. ~ Larry Belanger