Sample Tracks

To make a contribution to any traditional folk genre, a writer must know its traditional book of tunes, play to its audiences, and speak its language. Cedric Watson in this 2nd album as leader forges ahead with original Creole music influenced by the French Creole diaspora and West Africa. Creole’s roots are revealed in Cedric’s journey through the influences of kompa, merengue, and the flexible and sometimes humorous approach Black Creoles take interpreting duple and triple meters.

Louisiana’s Black Creole roots go back to West Africa and to many of the 6000 slaves shipped to Louisiana between 1717 and 1721 of which 2000 survived. In the Caribbean chain, Louisiana was but the last link of the Middle Passage giving Louisiana’s Creole culture and music an unbroken link to West Africa.

Bijou Creole is a group of Lafayette’s young but very capable, perceptive, and experienced musicians. This is a forward looking French Creole band bound to change what Louisiana French Creole music can be in the 21st century.”

- D’Jalma Garnier

Total Playing Time 42:12

All Songs written by Cedric Watson, Published by Tasso Loop Music BMI, unless otherwise noted.