Review by Dale Johnson (California)
(appearing in the ZydE-Zine (International Cajun Zydeco Music & Dance e-mail magazine))
http://users.erols.com/ghayman

Les Amies Louisianaises - "Chansons d'inspiration"

This recording says a lot about the four ladies who make up this vocal harmony group. The group started out singing together in church in the Lake Charles, LA area. Their first CD put their vocal-harmony twist to a number of popular Cajun songs; it received "Female Vocalist of the Year" recognition from the CFMA (Cajun French Music Association). They then made a large contribution to a special "souvenir" CD released to help celebrate the 1999 Congrés Mondial (world-wide gathering of Cajuns and Acadians) held in Lafayette. Since then, one member dropped out and was replaced by Lisa Aguillard - the daughter of senior member Jeanette Aguillard. Janet Aguillard continues to handle most lead vocals, with Donna Thibodeaux contributing a couple.

The 14 cut mix consists of nine spiritual numbers, three patriotic and two about Acadian history. To me, the most special number of all is the "Hommage à nos vétérans" (A Tribute to Our Veterans). It opens with a one-minute segment of spoken word in the form of - nine Cajun veterans saying their names, the town they were from, what branch of the armed services they were in and in what war they served our country. A special surprise was to realize that one of these men is the father of Jeanette Aguillard (and grandfather of Lisa) - Milton Vanicor, from Welsh, LA, who served in the Navy during WW II. Way back "when" he formed the Lacassine Playboys, which launched the career of the great accordionist Iry LeJeune. I had the special opportunity to hear Mr. Vanicor play his fiddle at the 2002 Balfa heritage camp.

The music is elegant - ranging from "mellow" to "swing-feel." All the vocals are in Cajun French. Notable titles included (in English) are "Call His Name," "Jesus, I love Your Holy Name" and "O Happy Day" in the religious vein. The patriotic segment includes the national anthems of both "Acadia" and the USA. Added treats are "Réveille (Awaken)" and "The Magic of Evangeline" about Acadian/Cajun history. A very valuable bonus is the 16 pages of liner notes with complete English and French lyrics.

Musique Acadienne Records
www.Les-Amies.com 

Dale Johnson is a regular Cajun and Zydeco music reviewer for various local and national publications. He also hosts the "Bayou Country" radio show on KVMR-FM Nevada City/Sacramento most Saturdays at 4 PM. KVMR is live on the Internet at http://www.kvmr.org   .