"Alligator Stomp" Vol. 4 - Cajun Christmas

If you're throwin' a Yule dance party, there isn't a better seasonal collection that features two-steps and waltzes. Of the 17 tracks, 15 were licensed from THE Cajun label, Swallow Records. Beausoleil recorded two songs especially for this compilation, the original "Christmas Bayou" and "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," performed as an instrumental Cajun waltz. Four tracks are drawn from Beausoleil's fiddler / singer / leader Michael Doucet's Swallow Christmas Bayou CD, including this CD's closer, "Auld Lang Syne," which starts out traditionally slow before finishing off as a spirited two-step. Other highlights include Belton Richard's versions of "Blue Christmas" and "Please Come Home for Christmas," both sung in Cajun French: Richard's mournful vocals and the accompanying steel guitar give both songs added depth. (Allmusic)

You probably haven't traveled enough if you've never heard Cajun music, and there's a good bet you've never really two-stepped around the Christmas tree until you've two-stepped to either a Beausoleil or Cajun Gold Christmas classic like those found on this 17-track compilation. Alligator Stomp features fiddles, triangles, and accordions a-blazin' along with the French-sung carols and other classics. Henry Fontenot turns in a decidedly different kind of "Jingle Bells," while Belton Richard belts out the holiday blues standard "Please Come Home for Christmas" in his delectable Cajun tongue. Michael Doucet, the ace fiddler for Beausoleil, however, steals some of the thunder here with a charged number, "Bonne Année," a performance piece that highlights his fiddle playing and singing. As they say down on the Bayou, "Bon temp rouler!" --Martin Keller (The Cajun Review)
"Cajun Christmas" provides a fresh interpretation of many Holiday standards and a smattering of Louisiana originals that are true to the spirit of the season. If you are tired of the traditional arrangements and appalled at dogs and cats massacring your favorites, this CD is the perfect antidote. Two strong tracks by Beausoleil, "Christmas Bayou" and "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" lead off the compilation, the latter interpreted as a Cajun waltz. "Joy to the World" is a bouncy, upbeat combo of fiddle and accordian that will lighten the hearts of the most fervent Scrooge. It's hard not to dance to "Jingle Bells" and "Deck the Halls." The layers of instruments and the upbeat tempos create a celebratory tone in these tunes that has disappeared through repetition of the more familiar arrangements. The final song, "Auld Lang Syne," is the best. Michael Doucet starts out with a slow, mellow fiddle but soon turns from the remembrance of the past year to the anticipation of the New Year with a rollicking finish that compels you to bounce around the house.
While all the tracks are strong contributions, the greatest value of this CD is the regeneration of spirit one feels. The old songs seem new and the cumulative effect is to take some of the cynicism out of the increasingly commercialized season. As an added plus, kids seem to respond to the music, which can open up all kinds of discussions about music, history, and of course, Christmas. (The Cajun Monthly)

trax:
1. Christmas Bayou - Beausoleil 2. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Beausoleil 3. It's Christmas in Louisiana - Johnnie Allan 4. Joy to the World - Jambalaya Cajun Band 5. Jingle Bells - Harry Fontenot 6. Deck the Halls - Micheal Doucet 7. Please Come Home for Christmas - Belton Richard 8. What Christmas Means to Me - Camet Doucet 9. Up on the Housetop - The Jambalaya Cajun Band 10. The Little Drummer Boy - Micheal Doucet 11. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Cajun Gold 12. Blue Christmas - Belton Richard 13. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Cajun Gold 14. Bonne Annee - Micheal Doucet 15. Jingle Bell Rock - The Jambalaya Cajun Band 16. Silent Night - The Jambalaya Cajun Band 17. Auld Lang Syne - Micheal Doucet
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