Master of the Cajun Accordion

Gathering together Abshire's mid-60s to mid-70s recordings, this album captures 25 performances from one of the giants of Cajun music – all of his recordings for the Swallow label in chronological order. Nathan Abshire (1913-81), with his huge belly, black hair and lived-in features, is an icon of southern Louisiana music, his brilliance as an accordionist and singer marking him out as one of the great post-World War II Cajun artists.

Abshire seemed incapable of playing a bad note and this lovely album is packed with songs that once lit up dance halls (and probably still do today). His accordion playing is supremely fluid and full of groove. The earliest of these recordings marks Abshire's return to the studio after several years absence (following a dispute with his producer JD Miller) and all his pent up energy pours out in ‘Pine Grove Blues’, ‘Tramp Sur La Rue’ and ‘Offshore Blues’. By 1968 he was recording with The Balfa Brothers and this inspired collaboration led to such classics as his ‘Lafayette Two Step’, ‘French Blues’ and ‘J'Etais au Bal’. Generally a purist, in 1970 Abshire recorded soul singer Joe South's hit ‘Games People Play’, an indication of how Cajun musicians were embracing other American music forms. Treat yourself; this is a treasure.