1: Allons A Lafayette (2:43) 2: Basile Waltz (2:34) 3: Cajun Hop (2:38) 4: Port Arthur Waltz (2:42) 5: Harry Choates Special (2:45) 6: It Won't Be Long (2:21) 7: Wrong Keyhole (2:28) 8: Draggin' The Bow (2:33) 9: Te Petite (2:24) 10: Rubber Dolly (2:51) 11: Louisiana (2:26) 12: Poor Hobo (2:45) 13: Devil In The Bayou (2:14) 14: Rye Whiskey (2:54) 15: Fais Do Do Stomp (2:36) 16: Lawtell Waltz (2:28) 17: Bayou Pon Pon (2:37) 18: Chere Meon (2:38) 19: Harry Choates Blues (2:45) 20: Mari Jole Blon (2:27) 21: Honky Tonking Days (2:44) 22: Grand Mamou (2:56) 23: Je Pase Durvan Ta Port (2:33) 24: Hackberry Hop (2:26) 25: Jole Brun (2:18) 26: Louisiana Boogie (2:43)
Description:
"Fiddle King Of Cajun Swing" is a CD that celebrates the fiery, dance-driven fiddle style of Harry Choates, one of the most influential figures in Cajun music. This collection presents him at his most energetic and inventive, with driving two-steps, soulful waltzes and swinging numbers that bridge rural Louisiana dance-hall music and American roots swing. The sound is raw, immediate and full of life: piercing yet lyrical fiddle lines, propulsive rhythm accompaniment and melodies that stay in your head long after the music stops. Listeners are drawn into an authentic atmosphere of South Louisiana parties, where French-language vocals, stomping rhythms and virtuosic improvisations create an irresistible groove. It's an ideal CD both for curious newcomers to Cajun music and for collectors who want to experience one of its defining fiddle voices in a focused, carefully curated program.
Harry Choates was a pioneering Cajun fiddler and singer whose work in the 1940s helped bring Cajun music to a broader audience. Often called a "fiddle king" for his dazzling technique and emotional intensity, he blended traditional Cajun repertoire with elements of country and swing, giving his performances a distinctive drive and sophistication. His interpretation of "Jole Blon" became a landmark regional hit and has been widely covered, securing his place in the history of American roots music. Though his career was tragically short, Choates left a lasting legacy: a sound that remains a reference point for generations of Cajun musicians and fans.
The CD is released by Arhoolie, a renowned independent label dedicated to roots music and traditional styles from the United States and beyond. Since its early years, Arhoolie has been known for authentic field recordings and carefully produced reissues that document blues, Cajun, Tex-Mex, gospel and other regional genres with respect and care. The label's philosophy focuses on preserving musical traditions that might otherwise be overlooked, presenting them with informative booklets, strong sound restoration and an emphasis on cultural context. With "Fiddle King Of Cajun Swing", Arhoolie continues its mission by spotlighting a key figure of Cajun music in a way that is both historically valuable and deeply enjoyable to listen to.
