Welcome to old and new friends who are interested in discussing Cajun and other diatonic accordions, along with some occasional lagniappe....



CAJUN ACCORDION DISCUSSION GROUP

 

General Forum
Start a New Topic 
Author
Comment
View Entire Thread
Re: La Danse de Mardi Gras

Ganey and I just recently had a similar discussion about this song. He has the answers - I just tap my foot and try to play the tune.

Re: La Danse de Mardi Gras

In the Balfa Brothers fiddle version, it is played in G major. The chords are G, Bb and D. In the accordion version, it is in Am. The chords being Am, C and G. The Mamou Playboys blended the two songs by starting off the fiddle version in G, then coming in at the end on the accordion in G minor using a Bb accordion.

Re: La Danse de Mardi Gras

Yes, it's that kind of "floating" between major and minor that makes this kind of old music so exciting, just like pre-war blues. Good stuff!

Re: La Danse de Mardi Gras

Thanks to all for the help.
Any other suggestions on how to play Mardi Gras Dance other than the Balfa version?
JB

Re: La Danse de Mardi Gras

There seem to be many more versions of this song than the famous Balfa rendition.
Lots of different melodies, chords, major, minor, you name it. Website #1.

Re: La Danse de Mardi Gras

It would be great if someone would post a slowed video for us to learn

Re: La Danse de Mardi Gras

I seem to recall the fabulous Chris Miller did just that in 2009. Here you are:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htZeXzZkmug

Re: La Danse de Mardi Gras

Thanks for posting. Never saw or heard this one.
Another version with a different melody line, and in Am. (with a funny D chord at the end)
There are no "correct" basses to sustain the melody, and no guitar backing also, and still it sounds OK. Another great job by Chris!!

Re: La Danse de Mardi Gras

Here's a link to an MP3 of Nathan Abshire. I don't know where I got it, or the origin. Line #2 or http://www.nedcheever.com/mardi_gras_song.mp3



Jamey Hall's most excellent Cajun Accordion Music Theory

Brett's all new Cajun Accordion Music Theory for all keys!

LFR1.gif - 1092 Bytes The April 2011 Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week

augusta.gif - 6841 Bytes

Listen to Some GREAT Music While You Surf the Net!!
The BEST Radio Station on the Planet!