Cajun Artists

The Balfa Brothers

I thought that I had heard Cajun music before I listened to The Balfa Brothers (Les Frères Balfa), but I was wrong. I have to say that they are one of my favorite Cajun bands, and I were able to count how much time I have spent listening to each of my CDs, I am sure that the Balfa Brothers would be at the top of the list.

Why you ask? Not only is the music extremely beautiful, charged, and energetic, but the way that Rodney or Dewey sings can only be described as intensely emotional. One can feel the pain or laughter in the singing. If you are able to understand French, the lyrics are another world of their own to explore.

The Balfa Brothers are originally from Bayou Grand Louis, near Mamou, Louisiana. Five of the brothers learned to play music from their father, Charles, who played fiddle, and the band that Will, Dewey, Harry, Rodney, and Burkeman formed later on is somewhat unique in modern Cajun music as it relies mostly on the fiddle, the accordion being used in only a few of their songs. One can imagine this being the type of music that might have been found in Southwest Louisiana before the accordion was introduced.

For more information on the Balfa's and some interesting interviews, please read Ann Savoy's Cajun Music: A Reflection of A People Volume 1. It is truly a must read for anyone who is interested in Cajun music and culture. Also watch

I am waiting, somewhat impatiently, for their New York concerts to be released on CD. I hope they are soon.