BeauSoleil: Quotes from the band

“You play Cajun music because it moves you. That’s why our grandparents were so content. The initial ideal or spirit of BeauSoleil was to convey the unspoken essence of our Acadian French ancestry through our own take on the music that was passed down to us. I know Cajun music will continue and continue to influence other forms of music while being influenced by the passage of time and trends. I look forward to the changes.”
-Michael Doucet, fiddle, vocals and composer

“I remember about 30 years ago conducting a Tarot session for myself concerning this new BeauSoleil band that I was being invited to join. The outcome card was the 'Six of Swords.' How very appropriate! 'The beginning of a journey to a better place.' The six of us have indeed had a wonderful and inspiring journey full of struggles and rewards that we never could have imagined. Optimistically I look forward to where our little bateau will take us next.”
-Billy Ware, percussion

“I was always interested in acoustic music, especially acoustic guitar, and I gravitated towards The Balfa Brothers, as they were just about the only group who’d play acoustically. I learned a lot about playing from Rodney Balfa, D. L. Menard and Preston Manuel, and I tried to develop my own style while incorporating what I learned from them and my brother Michael and friend Raoul Breaux. I still listen to the old recordings and try to adapt songs for solo performances, usually looking for the old and sometimes forgotten ballads that were once popular in the area. I am always amazed when we are invited to play anywhere, and in a lot of ways, each gig is just like the first time we 'hit the road' and played in front of complete strangers. I was surprised by the national interest in Cajun music in the late ‘80s and throughout the ‘90s. I hope that people will continue to be interested in our music and culture, and I hope to continue recording and traveling as long as I am able.”
-David Doucet, guitar and vocals

“After 30 years of playing together, the excitement of what might happen on the next show is always there. I still feel butterflies before every performance.”
-Tommy Alesi, drums

“Livin’ in the future, 30 years ago young be-banjoed me, shack perched half way up House Mountain, VA far past the 'end state maintenance' sign, never saw it coming. Planetary motion conspiring even then to close some unknowable circle, vague word blowing around of looney young Cajuns calling themselves Coteau, what the hell, what’s a 'Koto?' Some friend ranting at me: these Louisiana guys, man, they’re doin’ what YA’LL do, taking the old into something ridiculous and savage and profound and new and freakin’ FUN! You gotta go! It’s only taken me 30 years to get here from there, who’s to say it can’t happen? And me, I’m just getting started.”
-Al Tharp, bass and fiddle