Albums

David Greely

“Cajun Fiddler, Composer & Cultural Storyteller”

Quick Intro

David Greely is a Louisiana-born Cajun fiddler, composer, and educator best known as a founding member of Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys. His solo work blends traditional Cajun melodies with cinematic storytelling, and his early cassette release La talle des ronces on Swallow Records remains a rare gem among collectors of Cajun music.

In-Depth Profile

Born in Baton Rouge and raised in Lafayette, David Greely developed a passion for Cajun music through deep immersion in the traditions of southwest Louisiana. In 1988, he co-founded Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, helping to usher in a new era of Cajun revival with a sound that honored the past while embracing modern arrangements. Greely’s fiddle work is known for its emotional depth, rhythmic precision, and melodic inventiveness.

In 1991, Greely released a solo cassette titled La talle des ronces on Swallow Records, paired with Johnny Janot’s Cajuns Are Tuff! as a promotional edition. Though no longer in print, the cassette showcased Greely’s early compositions and interpretive style, blending original fiddle tunes with poetic reflections on Cajun life. He later recorded albums such as Sud du Sud and collaborated with artists including Joel Savoy, Marce Lacouture, and Sam Broussard.

Greely’s career was impacted by hearing loss, prompting a shift toward acoustic performance and composition. He continues to teach, write, and perform in intimate settings, preserving Cajun culture through workshops, house concerts, and mentorship. His work is featured in academic archives and cultural institutions across Louisiana.

Signature Tracks

  • “La talle des ronces” — A haunting fiddle piece evoking the thickets of Cajun memory and resilience

  • “Valse à Deux Temps – Abe’s & Andy’s” — A graceful two-step waltz evoking the spirit of old dancehalls and twin fiddle traditions

  • “The Rolling Pin / Perrodin Two-Step” — A lively medley blending humor and heritage, with rhythmic drive and Cajun flair

Notable Accomplishments & Awards

  • Swallow Records Cassette — La talle des ronces (1991), now out of print

  • Founding Member — Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys (1988–2011)

  • Grammy-nominated recordings with Mamou Playboys and other ensembles

  • Featured performer at Festivals Acadiens, Liberty Theater, and international folk festivals

  • Honored by Louisiana Folklife Center and Acadian Museum for cultural contributions

Bonus Notes

  • Greely’s compositions often explore themes of memory, landscape, and Cajun identity, with a cinematic approach to fiddle storytelling

  • His teaching and mentorship have influenced a new generation of Cajun musicians and cultural advocates

Album Reviews

La talle des ronces Swallow Records, 1991 (Cassette)

“A poetic and evocative solo debut—Greely’s fiddle speaks with the voice of the bayou.”

Released as a promotional cassette alongside Johnny Janot’s Cajuns Are Tuff!, this rare recording features original compositions and interpretive fiddle work that laid the foundation for Greely’s later career. Though no longer available, it remains a prized item among Cajun music collectors.