What more could lovers of Cajun fiddle and Louisiana music ask for than this very special evening with two of our favorite performers playing together? Two of the finest roots music fiddle players in the world—Louisiana’s Michael Doucet and Berkeley’s Tom Rigney–have joined forces in one of the hottest, most unique CDs projects of the year and they are bringing their live show here tonight for one of four special Northern California concerts! Doucet joins Rigney along with his band, Flambeau, in a showcase of their new music.
The new CD–Cajun Fandango–features truly dazzling interplay between the two fiddles. The repertoire covers a range of roots music styles, from Cajun two-steps and waltzes to blues and New Orleans grooves, with a few touches of Gypsy soul thrown in just to spice up the brew. It is a superb collection of songs and instrumental pieces, both original and traditional.
A limited edition CD will be available at the concert.
Michael Doucet has been recognized as the premiere Cajun fiddle player, beginning his tenure in the 1970s. Originally from Lafayette, Louisiana, he has led his band, Beausoleil, for almost forty years and has taken Cajun music out of Louisiana and put it on the stages of the world. He has both preserved the music of his culture and expanded its horizons. The inheritor of a great tradition of Cajun fiddlers such as Dennis McGee and Canray Fontenot, he is also a composer and songwriter whose compositions have broadened and deepened the rich vein of South Louisiana music. In 2005, Doucet was one of 12 recipients of the National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts. The NEA award, which recognizes artistic excellence, cultural authenticity and an artist’s contributions, is the highest honor in U.S. folk and traditional arts. Doucet received Grammy Awards in both 1998 and 2009 for work with Beausoleil. A favorite on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion, a dynamic force of nature on the violin, Michael Doucet is a constantly inventive and compelling soloist.
Berkeley-based Tom Rigney has, over the past several decades, become one of the premiere blues and roots music violinists in the world. After fifteen years at the helm of the Swamp Rock band, The Sundogs (Rounder), he put together his current band–Tom Rigney and Flambeau–in 2000 and has toured and recorded extensively ever since. A prolific composer and songwriter, he has released more than a dozen CDs of original songs and instrumental pieces since 2000. His range as a composer runs from Cajun two-steps to blues to roots rock and roll to heartbreakingly beautiful ballads and waltzes. His three blues violin CDs all climbed to Number 1 on the XM/Sirius Satellite Radio “Bluesville” Chart, and his recordings with Flambeau have gotten countless spins from Americana programmers all over the US and Canada. His high-energy, virtuosic playing and his commanding spirited stage presence are hallmarks of Rigney’s performing style, and Rigney has almost singlehandedly brought attention to this genre on the stages of many, many North American traditional jazz festivals.
FLAMBEAU
Danny Caron Electric guitar
Danny is one of the finest guitarists on the blues/roots music circuit–a master of all roots music styles, whose inspired improvisation and fiery soloing make him an excellent foil for Rigney. Prior to joining Flambeau, Danny was the guitarist and bandleader for the legendary bluesman, Charles Brown. He toured the world with Charles for twelve years, until Charles’ death in 1999. In addition to his work with Charles Brown, Danny has also performed with Clifton Chenier, Marcia Ball, Maria Muldaur, and countless other blues and roots artists. Find out more about him at www.dannycaron.com.
Caroline Dahl Piano
Caroline has been with Flambeau since 2001. She brings a strong element of Boogie Woogie and New Orleans-style piano playing to the band, in addition to burning up the more traditional Cajun and zydeco tunes. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, she has spent the past twenty years as a mainstay of the Bay Area blues and roots music scene, earning a reputation as a brilliant soloist, an exciting stage presence, and a strong ensemble player. Find out more about her at www.carolinedahl.com.
Brent Rapone Drums
Brent is the newest member of Flambeau, having joined the band in 2006. He is a powerhouse drummer who plays with clarity, precision, and fire. His grooves have an infectious, upbeat quality that is a powerful part of Flambeau’s rhythmic signature. In a career spanning more than two decades Brent has performed, recorded, and toured with a wide range of roots, rock, and country artists, including Maria Muldaur, Billy C Farlow, and many others.
Steve Parks Electric bass
Steve is the other half of Flambeau’s great rhythm section. He is the ideal bassist for roots music, with a deep and unerring groove sense, a big tone, and a dedication to playing the bass line that locks down the groove. Originally from New Orleans, he has worked with numerous blues and R-and-B artists around the San Francisco scene for over twenty years.
