Michael Doucet Albums (6)
'From Now On'
Release Date 4/22/2008
Tracks 19
Label Smithsonian/Folkways
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
As Smithsonian Folkways moved into the early 21st century, it expanded its catalog to not only include the reissues and collections of field recordings for which the label is most renowned, but also contemporary artists who have a bit more of a commercial reputation outside the folkloric community. One example was this 2008 release by Michael Doucet, who had reached one of the widest audiences of any Cajun performer in the decades prior to this recording, particularly in his work with Beausoleil. The way in which this CD was done, though, had more in common with the typical Smithsonian Folkways release than those done for bigger labels. It was cut, according to a note by Doucet in the booklet, "live in three sessions with no rehearsals, overdubs, or song lists." While Doucet usually played fiddle and octave violin, he also moved to the guitar for one number and the accordion for another. Additionally, though he performs unaccompanied on eight of the 19 songs, on some he's joined by fiddler Mitchell Reed and on others, less expectedly, by New Orleans jazz and funk guitarist Todd Duke. The material ranges from Doucet originals to covers of songs by Allen Toussaint and Hoagy Carmichael, as well as the blues standards "You Gotta Move" and "St. Louis Blues." It's buoyantly eclectic Cajun music, and if it's pretty sparse in the arrangement department, that seems intentional and part of its appeal. The tracks featuring Duke are undoubtedly the most unusual and interesting here, as he's pretty successful in investing Doucet's brand of Cajun music with something of a New Orleans R&B feel. Doucet sings occasionally too, and though his vocals are much less impressive facets of his art than his instrumental skills, they fit adequately into the atmosphere of this CD. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
A 22-song feast of old-time Cajun music. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
'Michael Doucet & Cajun Brew'
Release Date 1/1/1987
Tracks 12
Label Rounder
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Sometime-Beausoleil member Michael Doucet heads a different type of ensemble in Michael Doucet & Cajun Brew. This band is a fusion/rock/pop group, and this release begins with a reworking of "Wooly Bully" and includes covers of "Hey, Good Looking" and "Louie Louie." The roster includes flamboyant, stirring guitarist Sonny Landreth, whose blues-rock leanings are quite evident here. As if aware that there might be questions about allegiances, the group's song roster contains such numbers as "Un Autre Soir Ennuyant" and "Like a Real Cajun" alongside the covers. While they sometimes blurred or hedged their focus, there was enough Cajun flavor in the arrangements, performances and instrumentation to keep purists from grumbling, while they aimed for a wider audience with their joyful rock/pop remakes. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Cajun fiddler extraordinaire and leader of Beausoleil, Michael Doucet is backed by swamp-guitar whiz Sonny Landreth, accordionist Pat Breaux, and others on this unique assortment of French fare and rollicking instrumental versions of "Deck the Halls" and "Auld Lang Zyne" (sic) -- be prepared to do some two-steppin' and waltzing under the mistletoe when you throw this one on. ~ Dennis MacDonald, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Ever wondered how to sing "The Hokey Pokey" in French? If not, maybe your kids have, and this disc is for them anyway. That's not all they'll learn, either: "L'Arc en Ciel" will help them with their colors, and "A, B, C et 1, 2, 3" will have them counting and chanting the alphabet with a French Lousiana twang before you know it. There are several songs about alligators, of course, as well as a charming ode to lost love entitled "Les Maringouins Ont Tout Mange Ma Belle" ("The Mosquitoes Ate My Sweetheart All Up"). The music itself is a spicey stew of Cajun fiddle tunes and folksong melodies, all of which are guaranteed to have you and your kids waltzing and stomping furiously around the room. Doucet's singing voice, as always, is less than inspiring, but c'mon, it's a kid's record. Very highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
