Research Catalog

J'ai été au bal (I went to the dance): The Cajun and Zydeco music of Louisiana

Title
J'ai été au bal (I went to the dance): The Cajun and Zydeco music of Louisiana [motion picture] / produced by Les Blank and Chris Strachwitz.
Publication
El Cerrito, CA : Brazos Films, 1989.

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Details

Additional Authors
  • Blank, Les.
  • Strachwitz, Chris.
Description
2 film reels (84 min.) : sd., col.; 16 mm.
Summary
Interweaving interviews, live performances, archival stills, historical footage and anecdotes, this comprehensive documentary offers a lyrical exploration of Cajun and Zydeco music from their roots to the present day. Expelled from Nova Scotia by the British in 1755, the French settlers called Acadians embarked on the long trek south to the French colony of Louisiana where they came to be known as Cajuns. Intrinsic to the Acadians' cultural identity was their music, "toe-tapping, jiglike fiddle tunes," that harkened to the Celtic music of Britanny and which sung of the tragedy of lost love. Over the centuries, the Cajuns mingled with free men of color, Native Americans and other European settlers to create the unique Cajun and Black Creole traditions that exist today. Reflecting this cultural exchange, Cajun music, in more recent times, has absorbed outside elements like western swing from Texas, country western music and later, rock 'n roll. Following World War II, returning G.I.s sparked a renewal of traditional Cajun culture, rescuing it from stigmatization and providing the momentum that continues unabated. The Cajun music scene was significantly enriched by the Afro-Caribbean contributions which produced "the slightly more peppery, bluesy" zydeco sound that has gained popularity through the talents of the late Clifton Chenier and Queen Ida who perform in the film.
Subject
  • Music > United States
  • Cajun music
  • Zydeco music
  • Louisiana > Social life and customs
Note
  • Inspired by the book, Cajun music: a reflection of a people by Ann Allen Savoy.
Credits (note)
  • Producers, directors, writers, Les Blank, Chris Strachwitz; cinematography, Les Blank; editor, Maureen Gosling; narrators, Barry Jean Ancelet, Michael Doucet.
Title
J'ai été au bal (I went to the dance): The Cajun and Zydeco music of Louisiana [motion picture] / produced by Les Blank and Chris Strachwitz.
Imprint
El Cerrito, CA : Brazos Films, 1989.
Credits
Producers, directors, writers, Les Blank, Chris Strachwitz; cinematography, Les Blank; editor, Maureen Gosling; narrators, Barry Jean Ancelet, Michael Doucet.
Performer
Performers/participants: Michael Doucet, Beausoleil, Clifton Chenier, Queen Ida, Wayne Toups, Cajun Gold, Rockin' Sidney, the Balfa Brothers, Marc and Ann Savoy, D.L. Menard, "Bois Sec" Ardoin, Canray Fontenot, Nathan Abshire, Chuck Guillory, Hackberry Ramblers, John Delafose, Dennis McGee, Danny Poullard, Walter Mouton, Odile Falcon, and historical sequences of Amédé Ardoin, Iry Lejeune, Harry Choates, Joe and Cleoma Falcon, Leo Soileau and Belton Richard.
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Added Author
Blank, Les.
Strachwitz, Chris.
Branch Call Number
M16 4214 J
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