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Lost Bayou Ramblers' evolution as a perversely progressive band
rooted in Cajun traditions continues to excite, challenge, and redefine both
genre expectations as well as cultural preconceptions. Produced by Korey
Richey (LCD Soundsystem, Arcade Fire) their latest studio album, Kalenda,
is set for release on September 26 on Rice Pump Records.
 Their
Jack White-produced performance in the 2017 documentary series and record
release American
Epic helped solidify Lost Bayou Ramblers' reputation as one of
the world's finest traditional Cajun outfits, if one of the least orthodox.
With eight albums, a Grammy nomination, contributions to the score of the
Oscar-nominated Beasts
Of The Southern Wild, and touring with both Arcade Fire and the
Violent Femmes, Lost Bayou continues to swing wide from their Louisiana home
base.
Lost Bayou Ramblers' new album celebrates the complex history
and cultural diversity of "Kalenda" - a Caribbean dance, a
Louisiana rhythm, a Cajun rock'n'roll song, and eventually a woman's name -
that crossed both the black-white and Creole-Cajun divides in so many forms.
The Ramblers channel those suggestive rhythms associated with the dance as
producer Korey Richey masterfully incorporates new hues from his sonic palate
into their arrangements. Once again, the band stands at the crosscurrents of
Louisiana culture by inhabiting the gray area between Cajun and Creole,
convention and innovation. Their Kalenda
is at once a mystery and a revelation.
This amazing line-up of musicians led by brothers Louis Michot
(fiddle and lead vocals) and Andre Michot (accordion and lapsteel), include
Bryan Webre (electric bass), Johnny Campos (electric guitar), Eric Heigle
(electronics and acoustic guitar), and Kirkland Middleton (drums). The
ensemble brings the cumulative experience of 17 years of touring, recording,
and collaborating to bear on Kalenda's creation with intoxicating results.
Lost Bayou Ramblers was formed in 1999 by brothers Andre and
Louis Michot, performing the roots Cajun music they learned as members of Les
Frères Michot, the family band their father and uncles formed in the 80's.
The brothers quickly began playing clubs and festivals around Louisiana, and
taking the traditional music they were raised with to new levels of rhythmic
energy and spontaneity, producing the punk and psychedelic labels given to
the band by reviews over the years.
In 2012, with five albums under their belt, including a Grammy nomination for their 2007 release Live a la Blue Moon, the band released its most progressive and sonically experimental record to date, Mammoth Waltz. With the stylings of producer Korey Richey and the help of guest artists Gordon Gano, Scarlett Johansson, and Dr. John, Mammoth Waltz was named #2 in the "Top 21 Louisiana albums of the 21st Century" by the Times Picayune, and acted as an invitation for all music lovers to tune in to the hypnotic Cajun rhythms Lost Bayou Ramblers have been known for since their inception in 1999.
Lost Bayou Ramblers' contribution to the score of Beasts of the Southern Wild
in 2012 brought them further renown worldwide, and continuing performances
with Wordless Music Orchestra and score composers Benh Zeiltin and Dan Romer.
2014 brought LBR the support slot on Arcade Fire's REFLEKTOR
tour. In addition, they made a live appearance on NPR's World Café. The
program rated LBR's performance #1 on "David Dye's five favorite live
music moments in and out of the World Café studio." They also
released Gasa
Gasa Live, recorded at New Orleans' Uptown experimental music
venue, one of four shows they played that day in the Crescent City.
Lost Bayou Ramblers have continually integrated new sonic
elements to their live performances, always experimenting and growing the
show to what it's become today, an eclectic mix of modern sounds and rhythms
with ancient Cajun melodies and lyrics and that's reflected in the ambitious
aesthetic reach of Kalenda. They will be premiering the repertoire from
Kalenda live at a string of concert dates around the country, ranging from
Seattle to Brooklyn to New Orleans, and all points in between.
www.lostbayouramblers.com |
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