A friend of mine sent me the link to this website and my first opinion of this site was that there are quite a lot of angry people out there who seem to have limiting, narrow views on Cajun music. It makes me laugh when someone from out of state comes down to Louisiana for a weekend, then comes back, then becomes the expert on Cajuns and Louisiana life. Then, they quickly decide what they do like, and what they do not like. And so they go home, come to this website, and make fun of everything in a terribly cruel way, and get off while doing it. These people sicken me and they have no place here.

Music is "joie de vivre." Music is music and people are people. If you don't like something, then that's just the way it is. I hate tons of music, but I don't go all over the internet and yak to strangers about how much I hate everything. Why not celebrate diversity in music and shutup for a minute and listen to what the music is saying? And how DARE they judge people by the music they play. I have dear friends of mine whose music I don't care for, but I do not think ANY less of them.

Cajun music is fun. What fools do not understand is that THERE ARE NO RIVALRIES in Cajun music- there is no POPULARITY contest, there is no PADGEANTRY of Cajun music- that's not what it's about. All the CFMA awards and nonsense mean nothing! MUSIC matters- that's all! I don't care who won best CD of the year or best band. It's not about comparing Lost Bayou Ramblers to Pine Leaf Boys, and saying one is better than the other. Who can decide that?! Why must everyone put every little stupid thing under a microscope and analyze it until it WANTS to die. I love what we do. I love what Lost Bayou does. I love what Ray Abshire does. It's all awesome. Jason Frey- Paul Daigle- Keith Frank- Jeffrey Broussard- the list goes on forever.

Reading most of the entries on this website make me upset. It makes my hand tremble to read the way people respond to music. And it should make most everyone upset. It makes me realize what Cajun music has EITHER become or is becoming. A contest. We will continue to do what we do. Travis Matte will continue to do what he does. Jason Frey will continue to do what he does. Accept that or accept it not.

I love everyone in the circle of Cajun musicians. I love them all for everything they do. I love them still if they sing about Vibrators or Butt Things. I love them still if they play saxophones, pianos or bagpipes. I don't necessarily love their music, but I love these people, and the people make the music. I will stand by them all and defend my friends to the death. If you do not feel the same way, then you are no friend to Cajuns or Cajun music. I begin to see why there are not so many bands who travel around the country to play music. I see why those of you who visit Louisiana fall in love with Louisiana. I also see why so many musicians are devout to never again leaving Louisiana to play their music.

Talk bad about your friends, and they'll find out. Speak praises about your friends, and stop bickering. My praises to everyone who support all our friends and defend our names. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

- Wilson Savoy

Respect due, Wilson. I'm one of those weekend warriors you think are silly, but I've been doing it so long that there must be something in Louisiana that draws be back time and time again. That "something" is what you summed up very well in the circle of Cajun music.

My only defense here as it pertains to this board is; overanalyzing is what we do here and we do it well. If you want to call it that, so be it. But one thing we've learned to deal with is -- not everyone things the same way and shares the same opinion about something. And so, we try not to take it personally. Through our breaking things down with many diverse opinions and skill-levels, we all manage to come to some sort of understanding -- and we all learn a great deal about music and each other through it.

If you just drop in for the first time and read the latest post, I can see where you might get defensive. But there's some folks here that have been here for many moons that love Louisiana -- her music and culture as much as you do. Some of those same people you might disagree with in the first page are the same ones in other over-analyzations that you may think are like-minds with you.

In reality, we need more of the prominent musicians such as yourself and accordion builders in the C/Z genre to be an integral part of this forum so that we can have the views of someone like yourself to help us learn and grow to be better musicians, promoters -- or even critics -- of the music we all love.

I hope that you will give this board another chance -- especially when its not on such a personal level. But since we've got your attention, I hope that you'll return to give your opinions in the future -- especially for folks that are looking for the right accordion to start off with -- or the history or lyrics of a certain tune.

You've done a helluva lot to forward and promote Cajun music and culture. Not only through your music, but through your videos as well. That's huge. There's no one else taking on that level of creativity today and there's many of your customers and fans right here. Your insights and input are always welcomed to help us grow, understand, and appreciate what you already know so well.

Keep on being you -- if you've got critics -- you're on the right track, brother!

R!CK

Wow... I'm not quite sure what opens such a notable educated musician to be seemingly angered or bothered by many that wish no more than to learn and grow... or perhaps need to learn and grow. I have always thought this chat site to have that purpose of growth in good ways.

This one is for you Wilson from an aging dog, a freebe from Nonc D (hope it helps with perspective):

I once stood at the side of a stage with a friend (Chris Strachwitz). We marveled and discussed matters of what was coming off of the musical end of a Savoy family happening (you on keyboards). Now, before I left California, I mentioned to Chris that he should visit Balfa camp, and I gave him the dates and location etc. He was heading to Fl. for the annual Steele Gospel thing he enjoys, but he did manage to swing through La. and spend a couple days... You were there my friend and things were brewing (for the good/positive of the music and the cultural exposure) beyond your comprehension or knowledge (perhaps in ways not necessarily suited to be discussed here). Ya see, it often times becomes an evolution of events set into motion (at unsuspecting times by unlikely unsuspecting people) stemming from discussion, spoken or in text.

Wilson, I bring this up for your knowledge and growth(as we are ALL students of living and learning), more as a person than as a musician (you have the musician part down pat). Sometimes it is the people in the wings Wilson, the dim lit part of the audience that size up certain matters that put positive impacts into motion. While you and your folks occasionally gravitate to the west coast (SF), many folks on the west coast are on this board... and not all are crackpots when it comes to our devotion to your culture, and the music of your culture. I tell you this with respect, so that you do not lose sight and perspective of the vital support mechanism in and out of Louisiana that is sometimes necessary. Such support is a two way street that circles a full 360.

You are an inheiritor of your culture, as you had no common knowledge at birth beyond the mind of a child. You were taught well as a product of your environment re: such matters... For some on this board, we are seekers (near and far) for a better part of common understanding, so that we get things right. Many here spend thousands of dollars for a thread of such knowledge (far beyond our instruments and tunes). Many seek some of the knowledge for what was given to you, at a price that transends monetary concernes on our part. Trust me, such dollars do not simply grow on trees for where we live (you know what I am talking about). We (many)help support the sick, the unfortunate losses,and the final costs of some of your states finest musicians when they pass on.. when the need arises, folks from outside come to the core of your cultures best represented, in ways you need to recognize and respect. Perspective my friend, we all need it, and I don't think you are exempt from that as well.

You are blessed Wilson, and you house the respect of folks on this chat site... in ways you may not comprehend (yet). Manage and harness your anxiety and concerns well, it is what men should do. That is what I would tell my grown boys (for what you could easily qualify age wise). Now help us, so that we can help you and the culture, your culture our friends... and lets all grow.

Nonc D

Wow Wilson! I'm new to this forum (I just discovered it this week), but I haven't seen any of what you're talking about so far. Maybe it's been on threads I wasn't interested in so I never saw them. Everyone has been real nice to me so far, so I haven't seen the anger you're talking about.

Speaking of nice, are you kin to Marc Savoy? We came down to the Festival Acadiens from Fayetteville Arkansas last month, and had the pleasure of dropping in to Marc's shop on that Saturday morning for the jam session. He and all the people there were very kind to us. I especially appreciated it, because I brought my piano accordion, and they let me sit in, encouraged me, even though I'm nowhere near the musician those guys were, and don't know their music. I was kind of nervous and excited about it, but they made me feel welcome.

I gotta say, we were astounded by: a)how many bands and musicians there are down there, b)how many venues they have to play in, c)how wonderful the dance scene is and lastly d) how **** good the level of musicianship is! My God they're good. All in all, y'all sure got it right down there.

Which brings me to this point: if you live in South Louisiana, you've got the music and dance and culture all around you, like water to a fish. Now imagine, if you can, that you're from somewhere that doesn't have anything at all like it, that music and dance aren't a vital part of the culture where you're from at all. But you've gotten a taste of it and you LOVE it, you go crazy for it. You get back home and you try to tell people about it, try to show them what we've been missing, but nobody really understands - how could they if they've never experienced it - but you press on, you try to learn to play the music, learn to dance, you try to recreate that little taste of heaven in your home town. It's an uphill fight and after a while, you feel a little isolated, kind of lonesome for somebody else to talk to that loves it, too. Kind of like real young boys or real old men and sex - you don't get a chance to do it very often, so you talk about it a lot!

I can't speak for other people, but maybe folks on this forum have those silly "contests" about who their top 5 favorite bands or accordionists are just to share who they really like, not to put others down. I liked reading some of them so I could discover people I didn't know about. I did notice that most people said they could name a whole lot more to their top 5 than what they put, so that doesn't seem like they were putting anyone down. I hope not, anyway.

I have no idea if I addressed any of the stuff that put a burr under your saddle, I guess I'm playing Devil's advocate. I didn't even look at the Lost Bayou Ramblers vs. the Pine Leaf Boys stuff, it didn't sound very interesting. But I sure love hearing them play!

Best regards, Jamey Hall

BTW, if you are kin to Marc Savoy, e-mail me and I'll tell you a really cool Festival Acadiens story about the name Savoy.

Wilson is Marc's son...

Thank you so much for your post Wilson. All of this humbles me greatly. I began to learn the Cajun accordion only 6 months ago. Your father, Marc, guided me correctly into starting with a Hohner 114. Then Dirk Powell's got me going on the road very quickly ... thank you sooo much Dirk... I quickly began buying cd's including La Musique and I love it all. I wish I had found it all 30+ years ago, but better late than never. I am deeply ashamed of ever trying to compare anyone. You are right, Wilson, there is no "best". It is all good. Now I have a wonderful box built by Danny Dyson (I got to meet him this last month...what a great guy) Never have I fallen in love with an instrument such as my "Le Capitaine". I thank you Wilson and your family and Danny and everyone connected to Cajun music for the gifts they are giving me every day. Come to Austin. We'd love to see you play here. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

John Fine
Austin, TX

Hi Wilson. You popping up on the board reminds me of Annie Hall, when a guy is trying to impress his date with his knowledge of Marshall McLuhan. Woody Allen imagines Marshall McLuhan in line, telling the guy he knows nothing about him. Guess you had to see the movie. Want to talk about mitered corners? Just kidding!! Hope you have time to post once in a while. Looking forward to seeing you guys again.
Steve

people never cease to amaze me that in one post they can cut the man and his band down and then change their tune when he comes around and calls them down on it.

That's true, but so far, that hasn't happened with the people that have responded so far. Unless you've read, or read into, something I've missed.
-Steve

I remain a die-hard PLB fan.. hope my comments were taken as compliments.. PLB are unpretentious and are taking the music to a very good place: live venues, dancefloors..

Maybe a Grammy really is deserved, but then again, I never understood the logic to best in anything.

Long live the PLB .. and thanks for posting Wilson.

GLENN

Whoo boy,

I was curious what the hubub was about, so I went through some of the posts I hadn't read before that were about the PLB, the ones you must've been talking about. Geez, now I understand why you were upset. I had no idea . . .

Pretty harsh stuff, pretty mean.

And pretty sad. People forget there are people on the other end of their barbs, and they sure shouldn't do that on an open forum like this.

Your post was right on. But I wouldn't waste my time with'em. To hell with'em.

Please yourself. By God, we sure enjoyed you and your band!

Best wishes, Jamey Hall

I still dont know which string wilson was bugged about ... could some one point it out to me??

Nonc D

I would imagine the thread analyzing whether they deserved their reputation or not could be taken pretty personal by someone who loves what he is doing. I kinda took it personal for them.

I can see plenty of reason Wilson'd be offended by that string.

As I said, it smacked of sour grapes. You just don't go on and on about things you don't like unless you've got an ax to grind or you're jealous.

Which is sad, because a lot of these musicians--Wilson included--take time to attend workshops to teach novice musicians like us. And no matter how bad you play or how many notes you miss, they won't wince or groan or cringe.

Maybe next year's Balfa and Augusta camps should focus on diplomacy.

If you want another poll I would vote for soundhound's stinging trashing of the PLB, and mockery of each of the musicians in the band, as the WORST POST ON THIS BOARD. I really couldn't believe I was reading it originally. Like I said in my answer they are big boys and don't need me to defend them, but acting like they were "misbehaving no talented Hollywood stars making millions of dollars" was beyond any decency. Wilson, Cedrick, Jean, Blake and Drew - For every one that feels "ICE COLD" about your music there are probably 1,000,000 that will think its KICK ASS.

I vote we move on stop bashing anything, cept maybe lawyers. Can we bash lawyers, and maybe politicians.

Lawyers...let's see...that'd be Russ Roberts of the All Night Ramblers and Redline Zydeco, and Nick Beaudoing of the Doc Marshalls...

Look up the definition of "bashing"

Bashing by definition includes and intent to do harm

And one more time someone attempts to escalate what was a simple voicing of opinions..

It would be wise to chioose words more carefully.

There were some exaggerated things said (in those threads) about the PLBs -- but it was certainly subjective.

So is this to say we aren't supposed to debate what we like or don't -- or question a particular artist or band? Quite honestly, I like it when someone has the nerve to speak thier mind here -- whether I agree with them or not. Moreover, I like to see us debate without going totally caustic on each other. We did that and it was a lot of fun and we all learned a lot.

So there's a few folks here that don't really dig the PLBs. I believe we are talking about the minority of folks here. I'll tell you this, after last week, we all know a lot more about them other than a youtube video and the track listing of their 2 CDs.

I think it's all good, especially from a kool-aid drinker's perspective. Jamey really said it right. I may not be considered an expert on Cajun music in the eyes of someone from Acadiana, but I know what it is like to promote Louisiana music on the radio for 18 years and I know what it's like to try to keep together a band for nearly 15 years in a huge city that has very little soul and awareness of the the enlightenment that Acadian music has to offer. It's been a tough battle while feeling as though you're the only person attempting to create a scene in a metro area of 8 million people. So I may not be an expert -- but I'm an expert in knowing what I like.

From an artist/performer perspective, I can see confronting your critics to provide answers to their questions or to try to understand the source of their criticism. But if most of your critics number less than half a dozen, don't live in your city -- much less your state, and can't hold a candle to your success -- why bother? I've never seen "Bravenet Accordion Board" quoted as a valid review source for any artist.

Maybe things are changing?

R!CK

This person can't be Marc Savoy's kid.

Probably one of the joksters whom patrol this board and others.

Could be his sister( whom post occasionaly on this board) whom alerted him that they were some serious "trashing" aginst him.

But, I didn't see any, other then some folks with different point de vue.

And I can't believe that an artist of his stature and experience could be "bothered" by some comments on this board.

I mean this is a seasonned performing artist, weaned and primed and counselled by very experienced professionals like his mom and dad, and I can't believe that they didn't instill in him some elements of toughness and wiseness to guard him against the some obstacles in life.

I can't think of a veteran of so many public performances being "offended" by some on this board, it sounds " cry baby" like.

And like you say " why bother".


So,this person is not W. Savoy, he is an imposter.

Can't be the real thing.

Tough and hard and wise like his dad.

He is a "jokster" my friend.

C.

Time to move on ................

I guess for me, the big question is "How does Wilson feel about mitered corners?"

I'm also sick of statements about how "wonderfully made" Castagnari accordions are...so what! This site is about "CAJUN ACCORDIONS"...right!

To quote from the very first line on this site.. the line above the photo

"Welcome to old and new friends who are interested in discussing Cajun and "other" diatonic accordions"

No you are not right according to the site introduction.

Who said Castagnaris were "wonderfully made".
The quotes around that make it as though it was in fact a lifted quote... not from me..
state your source...

However, since you mentioned it.. they are very fine accordeons. The air lever placement sucks... other than that... nice units.

And isn't it interesting those that make these statements have never played them aside from looking at someone else playing a Castagnari Tommy 2 row on the streets of Austin..

So you stole the thread .. ...nice job.
What was the purpose in that ?

Not only is it not ok to have an opposing opinion in this group, it seems that it is not ok to have an opinion at all.

And all this furor over someone who may or may not be Wilson Savoy chastising those who did not care for the video... mis characterizing and misinforming in a possible attempt at villifying those that didn't like a video to create sympathy for himself.

And all this from a supposed first time visitor and poster.. saying that criticism is not appropriate on this discussion group.. Pompous and arrogant, and way off base.


It is also my observation that the old adage

"he leans the way the wind blew last" is alive and well.

I mean no disrespect to anyone, but slamming those that don't agree with you with blatantly false and inflammatory statements is not something that should be accepted without serious rebuttal.

Correct, I shouldn't talk about things I know little or nothing about. As far as stealing the thread is concerned, you give me too much credit.

John,

With all due respect.. and not to single you out.. but your response is typical of something that happemns with frequency..

misquotes escalation implication

I did NOT say "stealing" I said "creep"
2 entirely different things

Creep is a mild "offense" stealing' is not good

Your implication by typing "stealing" was that I had actually accused you of something I did not

Fly specs out of the pepper.. maybe

and as minor an even that this might be.. I see this time and again

and in particular the Opening post of this thread by "Wilson Savoy"

Thank you for illustrating this John

Again.. no ill will... just taking advantage of an opportunity.

Correction and an apology

I did say you "stole " the thread

and you did

all other comments I made in the last post stand

Sorry about that... : )

I feel there was no intention to offend from either side. Let's do as our mommas told us, Play Nice.

Back around 54 my mother weas called in for a meeting with my grade school teacher

Let's just say the phrase

Does not play well with others..

Was coined that day : )

Self absorbed hate mongering drivel.

A mature professional would not have responded with that whining. What incredible arrogance.

I agree with Claude.. a fraud

But in the off chance you are the real deal.. you sunk a few more notches beyond that lackluster performance

This message was heavily edited .

Jeff and Claude, I disagree with your (in my opinion rather mean-spirited) assessment of Wilson’s reply. I don’t think it’s fraudulent, I think it’s honest and heartfelt and I think it took some courage to post it. Some of it is very perceptive, in fact. I don’t think he’s whining at all. Good for you Wilson!
You two not only criticize him (in fact, I think you insult him) but then you mock him for “sinking” to reply to the criticism. Is that fair, or is that like the nine-year-old bully who tries to hurt someone and then makes fun of them when they say “ouch”? Claude even goes so far as to drag Wilson’s sister and father into the discussion. That’s a low blow. If you really think the poster is an imposter, as you claim, why would you bring them into it? If you think this is Wilson, please leave his family out of it.
In my opinion, the most intelligent and sensitive posting in all of this was Chris Miller’s a while back—I have a lot of respect for him saying what he did!
Best wishes and happy holidays to all,
Claude

There's one thing about this whole affair that strikes me as funny...just not "ha ha" funny:

The attitude that Cajun musicians should set themselves apart from their fans and should be indifferent to criticism is absurd. Part of the attraction of folk music is that it and its creators are accessible. Anyone who thinks these musicians shouldn't care is totally missing the point of Cajun and Zydeco.

If you want to listen to an artist who doesn't care about anything but your money, buy something by mainstream artists out of Hollywood or Nashville. If you want to be part of something, quit trying to set yourself above it and join in.

It's a pleasure to be able to say that I've never met a Cajun or Zydeco musician who snubbed his or her fans. And I've never heard one of them say "Boy, you sure suck" when listening to a newbie.

Whether it's Wilson Savoy this time, Travis Matte a few months back, or Jude Moreau somewhere in between, these folk always offer thoughtful insight and constructive criticism.

I wish they'd spend more time on this board, but I'm beginning to understand why they don't.

Well said, Wilson.

peace
Griff

There was some really harsh stuff said on this forum about the Pine Leaf Boys... especially from that soundhound character. You don't say s-hit like that people's music. Especially about a band that knows there music, way better than that turkey ever will.

I'm behind you Wil

It seems like anytime someone doesn't agree with the music of a prominent Louisiana artist or band, we have a meltdown on this board and end up throwing barbs at each other. Then, the artist actually shows up here to set the record straight.

I think it underscores that the artist(s) do care -- and are accessible (as noted in the previous post). I agree that I've never been snubbed by any LA artists -- as a matter of fact, they've only encouraged and inspired me. I've never met Wilson in person, but I've bought his music and videos directly from him and have directed many people for the past 2 years to his websites (Almenapictures and pineleafboys.com) via the links page on my personal website.

Posting anything on this forum can be misconstrued. Soundhound definitely pulled back the curtain and showed some cajones when he knew that most Braves had a positive opinion of the PLBs. Maybe he just had heard enough about them and just snapped? I dunno... What I do know about him is he listens to more than just the accordion performance. That, to me, is refreshing. He also had an opposing view, albeit inflammatory -- it could've been a lot less pointed. But he wrote it and posted it. Maybe he was looking for a bonfire? I think there's room for opposing views here -- and not everyone writes the same way, nor asks themselves what sort of atomic reaction is going to result by clicking "post message." I'm just thankful that we still have this board to exchange thoughts and ideas -- remember Joanie's Rule of Thumb.

The fact is; it's done. We've all rehashed it over and over and as it turns out, he ended up liking the Pine Leaf Boys Two Step (minus the fiddle). Personally, I like Cedric's fiddle and admire the fact that he is connected with an otherwise white band and admired by a predominantly white audience. I wish more of the Creole audience would connect with what he's doing with the PLBs. It's truly huge, imho.

Another fact is; the Pine Leaf Boys are top in their game -- whether you're a fan or not. They've secured success and fans by embracing traditional music, injecting it with a shot of rock and roll (hence the Beatles reference from Soundhound), diversifying their lineup thanks to Cedric, and having some on-stage panache to attract a young crowd that likes to party, attracting the girls, guys, and making the bartenders and club-owners happy. Wilson also integrates some boogie woogie keys into the mix, which may disappoint hardcore Cajun traditionalist, but the last time I checked, those same people love swamp pop which features a lot of piano and a lot of horns. Additionally, Marcia Ball has been known to feature tunes with a zydeco groove and it's never pee'd-off any of her fans.

So you don't have to like the PLBs, nor do you have to dislike them. They are going to continue to do their thing and win over more fans than they lose. And until we get to the level of success they've garnered, we will continue to drop into this forum and pick stuff apart -- sometimes with a microscope, sometimes with humor, sometimes with insightful experience, and sometimes with brutal honesty or opinions. Some of us will learn more about music and people, some more about the accordion and performing -- but in the big picture, we all will learn more about ourselves.

That's my chicken soup,

R!CK

Intersting post

Following one of your comments and an earlier observation of my own

I think the fiddler would be better off in furthering his carreer by going elsewhere...
in my book he was the talent in the group and holding back

I did not like the "tone" of his violin but that could have been the video.. but his playing was excellent

I think he has great potential as do the rest of them

I just don't think the soup called PLB works as well as it could

I know Marcia Ball personally (pta parents at the same school). Cajun music is a big influence on her. I'll have to ask her next time I see her, but I would bet she is a fan of the PLBs

Who is angry.. is that your assessment..angry..? seems only you and your friend are "angry"

NArrow because they did not like that particular video.. that is a stretch

So are you sayiing that those who stated their opinions about your video are weekend visitors to LA... that you cannot know...

Who "made fun" of anything...? no one made "fun" of anything... a few comments about that particular video is not making fun...

What is cruel about honesty when there was no intent to injure or harm.. this was a discussion between posters ofn this discussion group only.. and in my opinion not at all "terribly cruel".. honest yes

"These people sicken me and they have no place here"
Oh ok you a first time visitor with one post can dictate to folks who have been here for a long time.. that "they have no place here"
Arrogant and taking libeties not afforded a one time first time poster.

"I don't go all over the internet and yak to strangers about how much I hate everything"
Couple points.. nobody not one person except you uused the word "hate" that is escalating something that simply did not happen.
No one went "all over the internet" they posted their comments here to a small group.
Strangers.. we not have all met each other.. but we have "conversed" back and forth for a long time some of us Years.. seems you are the only stranger here.

Please... "shut up for a minute" sorry pal you don't have the horsepower to say that to anyone, your tone is absulutley uncalled for and offensive.


"Listen to what the music is saying" I tried.. i couldn;t get beyond the perfomance.. and what was it you were "trying to say" in that video. ?

"And how DARE they judge people by the music they play."
The people weren't being judged as individuals.. ( couln;t.. don;t know uyou) but they were judging the performance. And the "DARE" becasue the video was out there and therefore a public performance.. don't want to be judged.. don;t play in public. Everyone has a right to voice their opinion.. The Bill of rights guranteed that.

I did not think "less" of any of the performners because of that video.. I do think less of you for your attack on honest criticism and arrogance in your post..

"what fools do not understand" one more time.. who the hell do you thibnk you are.. calling people fools
because they do not have your point of view.
Or because they are not priviledges to information that you may have.. isn;t there a better way to have said this..

As to comparing one band or musician to another and having a preference.. you are now saying that is not ok..

Under a microscope... did not need a microscope to see or hear or make a judgement about that video.

"Reading most of the entries on this website make me upset and my hand tremble to read the way people respond to music.
No one responded to "music" in general.. only that video.

"Love" strong word.. I reserve that for a very few people in my life.. however you are welcome to spread yours around
And of course that paragraph was to get folks to be in sympathy with you cause your the good guy.
So what does that have to do with the posts on your video, ?

No one "talked bad" about their friends.. they made comments about a lackluster video..
here again you are attempting to villify people who had some honest opinions about one less than stellar performance.

"My prasises to everyone who support all our friends"
No one was talking about anything but that video and that band.. you are widening the arena which is false and unfair.

"Stop bickering" who is bickeing.. it was an honest discussion til you came along.

"And defend our names" WTF ? Give it a break..
defend your names as if your name was at issue.. the performance was boring..
So who was slamming your "name" and your friends..
absolutely no one.

I said it before I'll say it again

The video was one performance..
It was boring
no fire

In another format maybe but that just didn;t get it

And based on that video no interst in the Pine Leaf Boys

And that is my opinion and I have a right to voice it inspite of your whining and making a mountain out of a mole hill and trying to get everyone on your side with all the little ( though transparent and clumsy) tricks of well let's just call it "debate"

A mature professional would not have responded as your did. MAybe bite the bullet and go on.

But you have absloutley no right to twist and warp the discussion into something that it was not...and to
create dissention amiong the ranks ... we all had differing opinions and voiced them

we all have our favorite musicians and to me that video doesn;t even come close

As to music not being a contest

May I suggest you spend soem time delvibng into a basic history of music...
though a modern movie prodcution take a look at AMADEAUS if you don't think there were contests and rivalries in music.. that is historical

Youi may want to stick your head in the sand and not believe it but it is older than the proverbial dirst

Your comments were offensive and "mean spirited"
and the only person to use the word "hate" was you.

Nice try no cigar for either the video or your comments

and I still don't believe that poster is genuine

if so.. I really feel sorry for your limited view and capacity and lack of simple graciousness.

Again just my opinions under the umbrella of free speech ...

just pointing out... The Emperors New Clothes...

Ah, Christmas......Peace on Earth & Good Will to All Men.

When I read the post purporting to be from Wilson Savoy I was at first taken aback. Sometimes I know I am a little outspoken, but rarely do I say anything in order to hurt someone's feelings or upset them. I felt bad, and sat back expecting the flaming pile-on that posters such as "David" and "Jim P" hope to get started.

My biggest problem with the post was it's obvious authenticity... clearly authored by a generational Louisiana native (though not necessarily Savoy) who speaks in the most elite Louisiana manner, and who feels empowered for some unknown reason to spout-off the "playbook" and "rules of engagement with outsiders" for all of cajundom.

But I am glad to say that the good folks on this board were not buying into that particular "circle the wagons" mentality... even when the incendiary post was phrased in that cute neo-colonial cajunspeak. We are thoughtful and literate adults here, and don't need to apologize to anyone for our opinions.

I think those who post on this board (most anyway) conduct themselves honorably and with a high level of empathy. I personally have received goodwill, encouragement and thoughtful advice from other members of this board. Few of us act like experts on anything, but speak enthusiastically while sharing those things that we feel we know something about.

In all honesty, I thought my questions and comments on the PLB performances might lead to an unveiling of some terrific music of which I was at the time unaware, but interested in learning about.

While I respect and appreciate Jeff's outrage over the condescension and sly maliciousness of the (purported) Savoy post... I think he is taking the poster a little too hard to task. Who among us has not flamed on a message board and then regretted it? The poster has gone silent... let's hope that we have given him something worthy of his consideration, and can let it pass.

So, the message is to NOT try and control what is said about anyone's friends... what is more important is that we learn to control our own devils.

I agree with your post with one major exception
"outrage"
not Outrage or any kind of rage

just plain old fashioned disgusted with feigned
credentials, feigned lingo, feigned hurt, feigned
cultural offense.. ad nauseum.

Offended with the tone starting with the Topic line..

Talk about over reaction.. the person who started this thread.. interloper, carpet bagger or imposter one of the three..

And the "awe" tism I mean geez
butt kissing a phantom... c,mon

I have never been in awe of fame
and in particular this case where a gnome comes out of nowhere and proceeds to tell you all how to behave

I am in awe of excellence , not fame
and that performance was not excellence IMNSHO

Set what .. the "record" straight

what record

you're batting zero

Sucking up pablum is not in my job description..
exposing BS is ...

And as to the totality of your post, soundhound,
you were gracious and polite.. and underplaying the obvious..good job !

Interesting that you suggested the original poster "flamed" .. just an observation..

We may have given him something worthy however I am not convinced that he is "worthy"

My ,this was fun.....


I do feel bad for the poster "Wilson Savoy" cause he obviously doesn't get it

and what's worse.. that person may be a "mole"

I've been monitoring this forum for a while ..... what a bunch of idiots are posting here. Luckily there are still a few well meaning players and makers who stick to what this forum is about: accordions, one-row melodeons cajun style, or Deutsche Harmonika as the original name once was. But alas, there's less and less of that stuff. More and more idiots take over.
And then to think Wilson Savoy (and what a great musician he is, and worthwhile band the Pine Leaf Boys are) even takes the time to reply and withstand the tidal wave of insults and ignorancies going on here. Some of you posters should really be ashamed of yourselves ... Clean up your act or get lost?

Oliver, you are free to stay, free to go, free to post, free to monitor.
But keep enough time to play, specially if you have a French accordion, b'cause that's even more important.

Gus, fool on the dyke

Surmise .. the person who posted was not "Wilson Savoy"

Why?

First a "friend" advised him of the existence of this group and the topic of PLB's video.. why would he need that when another Savoy already posts here?
A clumsy diversion.

The language and style, as identified by someone else, indicates the person was probably Cajun.

The language and style seems familiar.

The language and style does not appear to have been written by a man.

Draw your own conclusion.

Could be wrong.. but one thing is certain..."Wilson Savoy" fired and ran ...

I believe someone who posts, flames and disappears is called a troll? Or is my understanding of that term incorrect.

Perhaps the person who identified themselves as "Wilson Savoy" should have read the preamble and stuck to the purpose of this group instead of enciting the group to division; and the one person responsible for a conitnuation and escalation of what started out to be a civil discussion of perference.

I just wanted the last word on this.

peace,
Griff

I have always had one philosophy when it came to hosting my show...."By a cajun for the cajuns". I dont really care what anyone who is not cajun thinks about cajun music or our culture. I am not in the business of converting anyone..but inspiring everyone who is cajun. I want all the young cajuns to know they can be proud to be a cajun. No generation before us has ever stood up to say this. Let us be the first. As always ..."Let us before we die gather up our heritage and offer it to our children".