ALBUM REVIEWS - Live a la Blue Moon

New Orleans, LA, Nick Pittman, October 2007 Lost Bayou Ramblers - Live: a la Blue Moon - Swallow Records The studio efforts of the lst Bayou Ramblers are simply phenomenal - raucous tunes that both stay true to Cajun simplicity and employ complicated interplay between fiddle and accordian, plus a swing-era style rhythm section. Recorded over a two-night stand at the Blue Moon Saloon in Lafayette, their new live CD release, Live: a la Blue Moon, does its best to capture the essence of a LBR live show. Cajun music is live music. A band that can't make a crowd dance is as worthless as a sand-filled dance floor. The Ramblers often take a lot of liberties with the songs live, but they take fewer this night. Singer Louis Michot spits out ENglish lyrics, and the band showcases its flare for keeping the set interesting, adding slight twists and turns to songs. Their repertoire is explored, digging into their albums, putting their own spin on traditional material ("Macaque" with English and French lyrics) and covering Cajun icons, such as Harry Choates, Cyp Landreneau and Iry Lejeune. Recorded in January, the band throws out a quick "Who Dat" for the Saints as they battled in the playoffs. They only truly indulge in the live experience on the album's apt closer, "Blue Moon Special." A 10-minute jam, it brings in playful tweaking, medleys (adding "Sam's Rooster") and improvisation. Still, the record plays it safer than other Ramblers gigs. It can be thought of as less of a live experience and more of a best of, pulling material from past records and showcasing their knowledge of standards. Though it's hard to capture theri uncontainable energy, the record is solid, lively gem and is the closest thing to being at a Lost Bayou Ramblers show.

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