Good things come from Eunice Louisiana
On our roadtrip through parts of Texas and Louisiana, we had the pleasure of visiting the town of Eunice, Louisiana. A thunderstorm hit as we drove into town, and it rained so hard, I could hardly see to drive. We stopped into the Savoy Music Centre, and had a chance to chat for a short while with accordionist and accordion-maker Marc Savoy.
I found these videos on Youtube - they serve up a taste of the kind of traditional music Mr. Savoy and his family and other players in Eunice and surrounding communities play. Cajun music styles were passed on from generation to generation throughout the rural communities in Southwest Louisiana. Things have changed though. Communities like Eunice are now instantly connected to the rest of America and the world by television and the internet. I wonder how many families will teach their kids the old songs? I sure hope there are enough young players out there to keep the songs and styles vital.
3 comments:
Eunice! I have wonderful memories of that town, too. We went to a live radio broadcast of blues and Cajun music there. I'm glad you found it.
Were you also in Houma?
I thought of you recently - see my post about the Springsteen show in Toronto. The closing number featured two accordions.
Excellent review, L-girl. I bet is was a great show.
We drove by Houma on the way to New Orleans but spent no time there. We did spend some time in Lafayette and in Breaux Bridge, though - the Crawfish Capitol of the World.
Oh yes, Breaux Bridge, I remember it. And I see you went to Mulate's - of course.
I have wonderful memories of my trip down there. We went to Jazz Fest, then did a blues pilgrimage around the Delta (Muddy Waters's cabin, Parchman Penitentiary, Sonny Boy Williamson's and Robert Johnson's graves, etc. etc.), some historical stuff on the Natchez Trace, then down to south Louisiana for Cajun music, bayou boat rides and other adventures. This is back in 1991, I believe.
Houma was particularly memorable to me because we ended up hanging out with some local guys on their boat.
I see your trip was great, too. I'm glad.
Post a Comment