Morris Ardoin with Dennis Stroghmatt, Le Tracas De Morris (Maison De Soul)


If you’re confused by the seemingly countless Ardoins playing zydeco/Creole music these days, you’re in good company. That’s the reason Morris Ardoin, son of elder statesman “Bois Sec,” father of Dexter and uncle to Chris and Sean, shied away from the spotlight for so long, opting to be the guitarist in his dad and Canray Fontenot’s ensembles as well as other family bands. The late bloomer began squeezing the box at age 39, only to record this debut affair 30 years later. With rock-solid support from Creole-style fiddler Dennis Stroughmatt and guitarists D’Jalma Garnier, Rick Lagneaux, Dr. Ray Brassieur and Blake Castille, Morris lays down a comfortable set of acoustic Creole staples reminiscent of the bal de maison tradition. Though his style is admittedly influenced by “Bois Sec,” it’s considerably bluesier and often utilizes antiquated versions of “turns” (B & C parts) that are practically forgotten (“Jongle Moi,” “Lake Charles Two Step”). Several tunes are Ardoin family/Fontenot jewels (“Jolie Bassette,” “Jolie Catlin”); three others are originals including the title song and “Alone In Kaplan” that follows the melody of “Grand Mamou.” With this fine lifetime achievement in hand, the bright lights have just found another Ardoin to shine upon.