(See the link...)
I found a tape today that was dubbed off a (early-70s?) broadcast of Jerry Dugas' program on KJEF. On the tape, lo and behold, I find Dewey Balfa doing the 99 Year Waltz... complete with bluegrass backing (the accordion is present, also).
No mention is made of personnel. Dugas just introduces it as "La Valse De Quatre-Vingt-Dix-Neuf Ans".
Did I miss something? I've never heard this track before. I do like it, though!

Cody

wow. always gives me the frisson to hear dewey's voice..........
thanks for the treat!
roger

wow..nice find!thanks..i kinda like the banjo in it

I'm baffled about where this came from...
Maybe this was recorded before the Balfa Brothers albums..?
Also on the tape was "La Valse De Soleil Coucher" by The Sundown Playboys. Nice to hear that one again! And a Marc Savoy cut, makeing this, I guess, a nice snapshot of that day and time! Commercials all in French, too!

Hi Cody,

This version is as a B-side on a 45 on the label "Rocky Road Records") The A-side is "Hicks Wagon Wheel Special" also with banjo...
It's the Balfa Brothers with Bill Keith and Nathan Abshire.

Yves

That is what I understand. The Balfa Brothers met Bill Keith and other bluegrass musicians through their appearances at folk festivals.

Just caught the part about Rocky Roads records. Don't know about that, but the single was originally recorded for Swallow, and they claim "copyright" from now til kingdom come. They must have leased the songs to RR.

Great find Cody, thanks for sharing it.

The banjo player is probably Terry Bertrand, he played with the Balfa's some. I think dad played with him some also, maybe he'll chime in here.

I would never have thought I would have liked the banjo in Cajun music, but the first time I heard it I really liked it.

I think you are right because it doesn't sound like Bill Keith. I don't hear any melodic licks in that recording and that is Bill's style. He would have worked up a great melodic break if he was playing with the Balfa's. Instead I hear Scruggs back-up licks. But I agree that the bluegrass banjo worked very nicely in that song.

I once bought a cd in France.
Legendary Masters of Cajun and Creole Music.
Les Haricots sont pas sales.
On the Cd there's a version of J'ai été au bal,
with Terry Bertrand on banjo.
In the booklet there's a photo with
Rodney, Will and Dewey Balfa, Bois Sec Ardoin,
Canray Fontenot and a banjo-player.
On the second link you will find the CD.
It's also possible to hear the song with
Dewey Balfa calling , banjo.
All the recording on the CD are done at home
off all the great artists on the CD.