Discussions > General Discussion
Origins of Cajun Music.
Henry Piper:
Like Many Melodeon (Accordian) players I enjoy listening to a Bit of Cajun, and have dabbled (fairly unsuccessfully !!) myself in attempting to play it.
I have recently been wondering what were the original influences that gave rise to this genre, I personally have never seen much influence of French Traditional music in it, in fact it seems almost to have appeared fully formed in Louisiana during the late 19th and early 20th century, presumably it was originally more fiddle based, since I understand that the Arcadians arrived there before the German immigrants that brought accordians with them, And I think I can hear some similarities with other American fiddle styles. Did the music only take on its current form once the accordians became available. Did these French speaking immigrants bring with them some fragments of old French music and song, that gradually "morphed" into what we would recognise as "Cajun" or did they acquire the roots of this new music during their time in Canada before moving on to Louisiana. or is this a wholly new variety of music that originated and developed among the Cajun immigrants once they had arrived.
Its a fascinating story. I would love to hear a history of its development and origins from someone with more Knowledge than I have !!.
John MacKenzie (Cugiok):
Well when you listen to Quebec melodeon players, there's definitely a relation to the Cajun sound. Remember that Cajun is derived from Acadian, and Acadia is/was, the northern part of Maine, and New Brunswick. There has to be a connection.
Where the music originally came from, I assume France, is another matter, and one would need to establish a relation between musical styles, as they existed in France in days gone by.
It is, as you say an interesting subject, and one I have wondered about too. I like Cajun, and I also love Quebec fiddle music, played by people like the late jean Carignan. No doubt these tunes on the fiddle, are related to those played on the melodeon, around Quebec.
Good luck with the research
Sir John
911377brian:
I bet Rees will know.
baz parkes:
If your beans are well salted and you've left the potatoes alone this may help
https://www.amazon.co.uk/South-Louisiana-Music-Cajun-Bayous/dp/0882896083
probably best delivered at the back door... :|glug :|glug
rees:
This, from The Big Weekend website:
"Cajuns, les Cadiens or Les Acadiens, are descendants of the Acadian French from Acadia Canada, now settled in South West Louisiana.
Cajun music is the traditional music of the French settlers of south west Louisiana. The roots of this unique style can be traced back through the French Canadian traditions of Nova Scotia and the Canadian Maritimes, and further back to the original French pioneers who left Northern France many generations ago.
Over many years the traditional music has absorbed many other cultural styles into the mix, including Celtic, Spanish, and of course a huge influence from their Creole French neighbours.
The result is a unique and intense firey mix, played mainly on the Fiddle and the Accordion, highly emotive and irresistibly danceable!
Zydeco (French from the phrase “Les haricots ne sont pas sales” means “the snap beans aren’t salty” or “leh-zy-dee-co sohn pah salay..”
Zydeco music has its roots based in African Creole traditions; The Creole settlers in South West Louisiana also absorbed musical styles from many different cultures over the years including a huge influence from their Cajun neighbours.
Many of the songs and tunes are shared between the two cultures, the Creole Zydeco style however is rooted more in the African Rhythm & Blues tradition, but is always embracing modern styles such as funk and hip hop, always keeping the music alive and fresh, and of course always compellingly danceable.
Like Cajun music, Zydeco is very much Accordion led, also features the rub-board, a percussion instrument, based on the washboard, but worn like a vest over the chest and played with spoons or keys.
A totally irresistible and unique dance music, spicy hot with a generous dose of bump n grind!"
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