T’Monde, Yesterday’s Gone (Valcour Records)

Though trios have long been part of the Cajun musical landscape, don’t count on this threesome to be staunch traditionalists. T’Monde is Kelli Jones-Savoy (fiddle), Megan Brown (acoustic guitar), and Drew Simon (accordion).

Though its members are masters of their respective instruments, T’Monde distinguishes itself further by singing and harmonizing in different combinations. Occasionally everyone sings; often Jones-Savoy or Brown will start a song with the other joining in on harmony. The rendition of the Davis Sisters’ “Just Like Me” is a real jewel, as Brown and Jones-Savoy sing angelically together for the song’s duration.

The song selection isn’t more regurgitation of familiar standards but a creative fusion of classic country material and out-of-the-way Cajun selections. Besides “Just Like Me,” T-Monde covers other French-translated country songs, like Hank Williams’ “Wedding Bells” and George Strait’s “When Did You Stop Loving Me,” but truthfully these songs have always been there, having been previously recorded by Belton Richard and Lesa Cormier and the Sundown Playboys, respectively. The title inspiring track, Webb Pierce’s “I Don’t Care,” makes its Cajun music debut here.

Simon exhibits impressive push-pull action on the Breaux Brothers’ instrumental “Tiger Rag Blues,” while Carl Hollier’s “My Life Will Continue” is beautifully rendered. “Bombay Bounce” comes from a bootleg recording’s unnamed interlude with a second verse and a turn added by Simon.

If not for Brown’s poignant performance, “Knowing You Will Never Be Mine” could have withered away in obscurity. It’s one of only two sides recorded by the late Merlin Alleman, as part of Shorty Sonnier & the Lafayette Playboys, and interestingly was written by his wife Della.

While many of these selections will probably enjoy a second life, expect Brown’s “Kara’s Bounce” and Simon’s “Tracasse Pas” to be fine additions to the repertoire. Yesterday may be gone but T’Monde takes slivers of it and packages it for tomorrow.