Albums

Cankton Express

“Dad-and-Son Cajun Accordion Dynasty”

Quick Intro

Cankton Express was a high-energy Cajun band formed in 1973 in Cankton, Louisiana—now known as the Accordion Capital of Louisiana. Led by accordionist Felix Richard and featuring members of the Richard family, the group delivered lively two-steps and heartfelt waltzes rooted in tradition. Their 1988 live album Live Chez Mulate’s, released on Swallow Records, captured the spirit of a Cajun dancehall and remains a beloved snapshot of Louisiana’s musical heritage.

In-Depth Profile

Cankton Express was a traditional Cajun band formed in 1973 in the village of Cankton, Louisiana—a community now officially recognized as the Accordion Capital of Louisiana. The group was led by accordionist Felix Richard, brother of acclaimed Cajun artist Zachary Richard, and included his sons Sterling Richard and Kenneth Richard, along with Gerald Cormier, Faren Serrette, and drummer Rex Champagne.

Rooted in the rich musical traditions of St. Landry Parish, Cankton Express embodied the spirit of rural Cajun dance music—two-steps, waltzes, and stomps played with rhythmic drive and heartfelt sincerity. Their instrumentation featured accordion, fiddle, acoustic guitar, bass, and drums, with vocals delivered in Cajun French and English. The band’s sound was both celebratory and grounded, reflecting the communal joy of fais-do-dos and family gatherings.

In 1988, the group released their signature album Live Chez Mulate’s: Traditional Cajun Music on Swallow Records (LP-6073), recorded live at the iconic Mulate’s restaurant in Breaux Bridge. The album includes standout tracks such as “Flames d’enfer”, “Evangeline Special”, “Bosco Stomp”, and “C’est le Zydeco”—a nod to the genre’s rhythmic crossover appeal. The record captures the energy of a live Cajun dancehall, with production credits to Faren Serrette and Kenneth Richard, and performances by Sterling Richard (vocals, guitar), Gerald Cormier (fiddle), Felix Richard (accordion), Freman Hanks (bass), and Don Guillory (drums).

Though their discography is limited to a few releases, Cankton Express remains a respected name in Louisiana’s Cajun music history. Their work helped spotlight the musical talent emerging from Cankton—a village that has produced notable accordionists such as Sheryl Cormier, Belton Richard, and Leland Colligan, among others. The band’s legacy lives on through their recordings and the continued celebration of Cajun music in the region.

Signature Tracks

  • “Flames d’enfer” – A fiery two-step classic that showcases the band’s rhythmic drive and accordion-led intensity.
  • “Bosco Stomp” – A dancehall favorite rooted in Cajun fiddle tradition, performed with infectious energy.
  • “Evangeline Special” – A tribute to Acadiana’s cultural heartland, blending melodic accordion and heartfelt vocals.
  • “C’est le Zydeco” – A playful crossover tune that nods to zydeco’s influence while staying grounded in Cajun rhythm.
  • “La Valse de Grand Bois” – A tender waltz that reflects the emotional depth of rural Louisiana storytelling.
  • “La Valse de Cankton” – A hometown homage, celebrating the village’s musical legacy through melody and memory.

Bonus Notes

  • The band was family-affiliated, with Felix Richard leading and his sons rounding out the core lineup, preserving the close-knit Cajun band tradition.
  • Their 1988 album Live Chez Mulates offers a rare preserved slice of their sound—a live snapshot of their regional performance milieu.