Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Kalenda , from the Lost Bayou Ramblers and it's a earthy taste of Lousiana. Opening with Sabine Turnaround , Andre Michot on accordion and Louis Michot on vocal and fiddle present this rural music in it's purity supported by Eric Heigle on drums, Korey Richie on bass, Jonny Campos on guitar and Kirkland Middleton on T-fer. Granny Smith is a real foot stomper with particularly hot drumming by Heigle. La Valse de Balfa/ The Bathtub is a particularly cool track with environmental sounds over Kirkland Middleton on drums. Very cool.  Si J'auris Des Ailes is another interesting track with a strong melody by accordion and fife over super, stumble march drumming. Nezpique is a lively jig with a droning bass line, churning fiddle and tom tom. Title track, Kalenda , has a very cool African feel with definite Creole/Cajun influences. Mysterious and cool. Wrapping the release is Aloha Golden Meadow , Andre's pla...

Lost Bayou Ramblers' evolution as a perversely progressive band rooted in Cajun traditions continues to excite, challenge, and redefine both genre expectations as well as cultural preconceptions. Produced by Korey Richey (LCD Soundsystem, Arcade Fire) their latest studio album, Kalenda , is set for release on September 26 on Rice Pump Records. Their Jack White-produced performance in the 2017 documentary series and record release American Epic helped solidify Lost Bayou Ramblers' reputation as one of the world's finest traditional Cajun outfits, if one of the least orthodox. With eight albums, a Grammy nomination, contributions to the score of the Oscar-nominated Beasts Of The Southern Wild , and touring with both Arcade Fire and the Violent Femmes, Lost Bayou continues to swing wide from their Louisiana home base. Lost Bayou Ramblers' new album celebrates the complex history and cultural diversity of "Kalenda"...