MICHOT’S MELODY MAKERS
BLOOD MOON
SINKING CITY RECORDS
TWO STEP DE STE MARIE–GRAND MARAIS–DANS LES PINS–ALLONS TOUS BOIRE UN COUP–BLUES DE NEG FRANCAIS–LA LUNE ES CROCHE–COYOTE SUR LES CHEMINS–LA DANSE CARREE
It was our great pleasure not too long ago to review an album from the Lost City Ramblers, “Kalenda,” from August of 2017, which eventually won a Grammy. Leader of this group is fiddle man/vocalist Louis Michot. He joined forces with two of the Ramblers, Bryan Webre on bass and Kirkland Middleton on drums and percussion, as well as electric guitarist Mark Bingham to become Michot’s Melody Makers, who have just released their latest album, “Blood Moon,” for Simking City Records. The whole thing was laid down at the legendary Docksde Studios, oddly enough during the July blood moon phase.
The cuts consist of Acadian fiddle tunes, many of them at least a century old, and some even pre-date the use of accordion. Another cool part of this album is the band’s use of samples and drum pads in this percussion-heavy outing. Add in Michot’s authentic, French-only vocals, and this becomes a real treat for the dancers and other fans of this genre’ of folk music. Excellent examples are the leadoff “Two Step de Ste Marie,” and the lively “Blues De Neg Francais.” The sampling/drum pad standout is one of our favorites, “La Lune Es Croche.” Our other favorite featured Mark Bingham on electric guitar for the brooding, “blood-moon-ish,” “Dans Les Pins.”
Louis Michot and his band of Melody Makers bring a strong air of authenticity to this revered music of the Acadian folk. Whether you speak French or you don’t, the rhythms and grooves of “Blood Moon” are irresistible! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow.
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