Looking for a better quality recording of Calcasieu Waltz. The one I have is Iry LeJeune. Don't get me wrong Iry is one of my top ten, but the recording I have is terrible. an artist name or Youtube clip would be helpful

I know there are lots of versions out there, but I can't think of a single one, right now. Be careful who you choose. When Wayne Toups recorded it, he added a chord that isn't in Iry's version, and it has pretty much become the standard. Iry's is a better reference point.

I think a fine and accurate version that I have heard is by Nathan Abshire with the Balfa Brothers on the Arhoolie Cd Cajun Fais Do-Do. It's at a good pace and you can hear the bass on the accordion very well. Recorded at the Cajun Frontier lounge in Basile in 1966 (air conditioned!). Might be on Itunes.

http://npmusic.org/NathanAbshireBalfaBrothers_CalcasieuWaltz.mp3

Don Montoucet recorded that one too, so did Briggs Brown and I have a version by someone but I don't know who.
Le Piquant

Neal:

That's the version I hear when I think of the song. I think that's where I learned it from.

Amede has a song that is probably what Iry got it from, can't remember the name. It has a turn with it, Iry's doesn't. I have another recording somewhere that has a turn, I'll see if I can find it.

Which recording of Iry LeJeune do you have? There are two: one on Goldband and one on ACE. The Goldband Compilation has aquite annoying Bass added to the recording, but the ACE recording is outstanding. If you have the Goldbamd version, it might be worth getting the ACE CD.

There is also a fine version by Leo Abshire and the Old Tymers Cajun Band CD on the Acadiana label. You can probably get this CD from Fred Charlie at Dee's Cajun Gifts in Sunice (I think there is a website. For some reason, when I think of Calsieu Waltz, I think of Leo Abshire. He was a fine person.

Jack Bond

I obviously am not typing well tonight - sorry about the typographical errors.

thAt won'T bOther mE at All.
Le Piquant

Doesn't Jo-el have a version on one of his CD's?

John

Yes - his Cajun Roots CD - He's one of my favorites, too.

Danny Poullard has a version on the Nonc Adam Two Step cd. Kevin Nacquin also has one.

Without hearing it, I would venture to say that Jo-El is probably most representative of Iry's version.

It is. His versions of Iry's songs are usually pretty exacting.

La Valse A Brunette is Amede's song that is the same tune. I like the fact it has a turn.

Roddie Romero does a quick version in this video.

I like Iry's version very very much.Yes, I have both of the Iry cds and the one with the yellow cover is the best version. The Bass guitar is on that one that was released on the Swallow reissue. Wayne's version was a great one. He really digs in and gets the words down on his version. I like Nathan's on that Basile Dance. Nathan sings it great. I still like Belton's version. Michael

The Grand Mamou Orchestra also did a very beautiful version on the 33rpm "The Cajuns, vol.2" (Sonet)!
Yves

Yes, indeed!
Also Ambrose Thibodeaux' Elton Waltz sounds the same as Calcasieu Waltz...
Yves