Harry Choates – Jole blon: The Original Cajun Fiddle of Harry Choates CD

Harry Choates is a little known American icon of music. His influence on western swing, as well as on later artists ranging from Clifton Chenier to Beausoleil is evidenced on this and all CDs by this master Cajun musical craftsman. Included are some excellent examples of Cajun fiddle music, as well as that style of swing that was popularized in the 40’s. Harry supplies vocals on some numbers, most in the Cajun French dialect, some in English. This is a chance to hear real folk music being performed by a man who never owned a fiddle in his life, the one he performed with was one he “borrowed” when he was still a teenager in the back woods of Louisiana. Yet Choates weaves melodies with this instrument that are hauntingly beautiful and just downright fun. Released in 1979, re-issued on CD in 1999, 10 tracks.