Various Artists, Buffalo Jambalaya 2004 (Buffalo Jambalaya)


Since 1997, the non-profit Baltimore Folk Music Society has offered the best deal anywhere with their annual Buffalo Jambalaya camp: four, fun-filled days of dancing delirium in a bucolic setting at an economical price that includes Cajun/Creole cuisine. But just in case you missed it, these 16 live tracks featuring two zydeco collectives (T-Broussard and the Zydeco Steppers, Carrier Family Band) and a Cajun aggregation (Savoy Family Band) capture the rip-roaring party Buffalo Jambalaya throws every summer. Considering that this is the Society’s first CD, some things are particularly ingenious. The track arrangement alternates between bands so there isn’t a T-Broussard section, followed by a Carrier section and so on, making the proceedings’ sonic flavor more diverse. The alternating sequencing of artists also allows for an immediate stylistic compare-and-contrast between Roy Carrier’s bluesy, hardcore Lawtell zydeco, T-Broussard’s more modern, jangly grooves and the Savoy Family’s traditional Cajun roots that feature killer pianist Wilson Savoy. Every band seems like it’s jacked for the event, turning in solid performances and keeping spirits high. By the time the Savoys raise the roof for good (“Sam’s Big Rooster”), you’ll be saying, okay, that’s it, sign me up, damn it. I’m there.