After two decades in the trenches with such notable Cajun bands as Mamou, Charivari and Beau Bassin, the long overdue solo release from fiddlin’ demon Jonno Frishberg is finally a reality. Though grapes ferment faster than this project, all taste testing indicates it was well worth the wait.
While things get off to a roaring start with the bluesy swing styled “Good Woman Shuffle” and “Reno Waltz,” it’s the third track, “Love in Vain,” that symbolizes a pivotal juncture. Given its early sequencing placement and relatively lower energy level, admittedly the heartfelt tale of unrequited love is a challenging one to digest. But hang with it because soon thereafter the disc bonuses with creatively crafted arrangements, uninhibited ingenuity and a coterie of guests that includes Sonny Landreth, Dwayne Dopsie, Steve Riley, Michael Doucet, Doug Belote, Bart Ramsey, Neti Vaan, Al Berard and Sam Broussard.
Though listeners of South Louisiana music in general will be familiar with the trio of Clifton Chenier staples, these liberty-taking arrangements have never had such an eclectic vibrancy as they do here. “Josephine,” led by Jonno’s fluid accordion and fiddle playing, enlists an all ages choir for the “oh bye bye” chorus. “I’m Comin’ Home” couples sprinklings of Ramsey’s jazzy ivories and Dopsie’s magnificent accordion playing. The progressively arranged “Hot Tamale Baby” is totally sans accordion and rightfully so: who needs it when Doucet and Jonno practically flame their fiddles with riveting, space-warping rides?
The good news is that the surprises don’t stop there. “Jambalaya” is recast with second line beats and sassy lip-splitting horns; “Blue Runner/Pyschedelico” fuses trad Creole music with a Meters-inspired jam. Though this incarnation of “Nietzsche’s Waltz” has appeared on previous Jonno projects, it was co-producer Marvin Williams’ brainchild to add piano and mandolin to this statement of positive energy. But above all, South to Louisiana showcases Jonno’s brilliant, shackle-raising technique as a reminder why he quietly ranks among Louisiana’s top echelon. No wonder Doucet once stated Jonno’s music comes entirely from within.
