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Louisiana Folk Masters: Varise Conner CD
Varise Conner (1906-1994) has been called the “greatest unrecorded Cajun musician.” With this ground-breaking 72-minute collection of previously unavailable songs and stories we now have an opportunity to hear masterful renditions of waltzes, two-steps, blues, a mazurka, a polka and even “Lake Arthur Stomp” as performed by its originator in his own home. The source recordings for this project were made between 1975 and 1977.
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“Critics' Choice: Top 50 Louisiana CDs of 2004”
An excerpt from a review in Offbeat magazine by Dan Willging:
“Conner possessed an extensive repertoire of ancient polkas, mazurkas and lilting waltzes that symbolized the South Louisiana marshes meeting old-world Europe. His sweet, lyrical fiddling and ultra-smooth bowing style greatly influenced Michael Doucet and most recently, the Mamou Playboys’ David Greely who served as this project's fiddle consultant.
These field recordings taped by folklorist Barry Ancelet between 1975 and 1977 at Conner’s home provide an enriching insight into this overlooked master. Accompanying Conner are various family members on guitars while some tracks include Doucet and Lionel Leleux on second fiddles. Conner covers a lot of ground from family tunes to those learned from the Aguillards and Bascom Mouton, also a purveyor of the ‘Vermilion Parish style.’ …. Several others, like the French-Canadian ‘Rêve du Diable’ and the jazzy ‘Down South,’ showcase Conner's wide musical interests that extended beyond Cajun music. Yet, don’t think of this as solely a sit-down affair. Many tunes, (‘Perrodin Two-Step,’ Conner’s signature ‘Lake Arthur Stomp’) are drivingly danceable but are done so in an unencumbered setting. Also featured are conversations regarding family, other musicians and philosophical viewpoints, that combined with the authoritative 28-page liner notes rank this among the best Louisiana folkloric projects ever assembled.”
An excerpt from a review in the ZydeE-Zine by Dale Johnson, host of “Bayou Country” on KVMR-FM, Nevada City, CA:
“This release should be a must-have for all musicians who play Cajun fiddle. It is absolutely great listening. The liner notes are extensive and worth the cost all by itself. Conner’s roots were not all Acadian but he became Cajun. He lived at a time and place where music was shared or borrowed from others around you. The result reflects his Hibernian and Cajun roots, but also the Germanic and Anglo traditions. Included are waltzes, two-steps, blues, a polka, a mazurka and a Conner original that has become a standard in every band’s repertoire, ‘Lake Arthur Stomp.’”
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