I thought I'd post the SOTM a couple days early since the beginning of the month is on a wednesday and we got Mardi Gras coming in a couple days.

I've only really started getting serious on this song for a month now, but though it seems a simple song, it is one that really showcases the effect of the left hand and also syncopation. At least to my ear. It is also one that a lot of non-cajun musicians seem to know.

Wade has a great article about the song on his blog. Thanks for the research you do, Wade.
http://earlycajunmusic.blogspot.com/2015/12/allons-danser-colinda-happy-doc-and.html

There are a lot of versins out there that seem to be a major departure from the cajun style, but music evolves.

I particularly like this version by Allie Young. Clean and approachable.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QGGjFKgFcg

Here's an older version by Joe Falcon


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmVQN0cuOxI

A version with a distinctly more modern feel by Lee Benoit


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ItkAVRPhAM


This is one that doesn't need to be all fancy to sound good and be toe tapping. Let's hear it!!

John in Oregon

Here's my version on my C-Acadian.



And here it is on my A-Accordion



Listening to these, you would probably never guess that it's based very much on the version done by Allie Young.

John in Oregon

Allie Young you say. I would have guessed that. Nice one John A.

Great tune! My band's been trying to get this one learned for a while but for some reason we've never gotten it off the ground. Now's the time I guess :)

So question for you John, how are you choosing the tunes for the SOTM? Got a randomized list, an overarching purpose, or is it whatever you're working on?

I'm not complaining at all :) Just curious.

Is there a suggestion box for future months?

Thanks!

Videos not available. Pourquoi?

Not available? I'm able to view. I hope there isn't some localization thing going on.

John in Oregon

Very odd John A. Even on YT same message 'unavailable'. Lee Benoit no problem though. Any chance video restricted in some way overseas?

Which videos are not available? The example versions? If so, there may be some localization blocking happening in which case there isn't much to be done.

John in Oregon

Normal service this side of the border.

Very well executed Sir John and nice fast pace, comfortable relaxed playing.Yeah you nailed it!

Thanks AJ. Now waiting for your version....

John in Oregon

Got a question for those folks working on this. How in the world do you end this song? In the Joe Falcon version, they do almost a shave and a haircut ending...I'm looking for something different. The S&aH tag just comes out of nowhere. I'm wondering if there is anyway to not have an abrupt ending...How are you ending it?

To me, this seems one of those songs that doesn't resolve to a definite ending - like the Ossun Special. It just wants to keep going.

Just figure it out and lets hear what ya got!!

John in Oregon

The lack of resolution is one of the reasons I'm not fond of this song.

Try closing on a triad that incorporates the traditional hanging note with the proper resolution. The effect is an interesting compromise.

Still not happy about my ending, if anybody has a better one, I'm all ears.

Enjoyed it very much. Uplifting and danceable- if I could dance!- lots of interesting varied runs and the contrasting ending was effective.

Very nicely done! I like that ending. It worked well.

I particularly like the variations you did on the B-part of the song.

Thanks for posting. Good to hear other versions.

John in Oregon

Here's my effort, goes on a bit 'cus I was struggling to end it! Made up another turn.
Again on a slow handling G accordion.

I'd like to dedicate it to the memory of Greezy Mcgill- a mentor and friend, please forgive me for the flappy bass fingers.

Screen says "This video is unavailable."

Avail us, please, AJ.

My apologies, had made it private somehow. should work now else I'll post it again.

It works, AJ. Thanks for posting. It's good to see the various versions that people do.

Hey Ned - come on!! Let's hear it.

John in Oregon