Balfa

But the core of his ouevre is the remarkable assortment of films documenting the lives of Southern blues, fiddle, Cajun and zydeco masters: Lightin' Hopkins, Mance Lipscomb, Dennis McGee, Thomas Jefferson Jarrell, Dewey Balfa, Canray Fontenot and Clifton Chenier.

Aliens, Operas and a Blank Slate of Documentaries Steve Dollar 2011

It opens with just fiddle David Greely, in one of his last performances with the band, accordion and triangle; something akin to what I heard the Balfa Brothers play way back when, before the band kicks in for a solid two-step.

Michal Shapiro: Cajun Dancing in Midtown Manhattan: 2 Song From Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys (Video) Michal Shapiro 2011

The band, fronted by Dewey Balfa totally charmed me with their personal warmth and humor.

Michal Shapiro: Cajun Dancing in Midtown Manhattan: 2 Song From Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys (Video) Michal Shapiro 2011

I didn't realize at the time that the Balfa Brothers were pioneers, having raised the denigrated profile of the Cajun heritage to a prideful place.

Michal Shapiro: Cajun Dancing in Midtown Manhattan: 2 Song From Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys (Video) Michal Shapiro 2011

I developed a taste for Louisiana's Cajun music pretty early on in life when I attended a concert by the Balfa Brothers.

Michal Shapiro: Cajun Dancing in Midtown Manhattan: 2 Song From Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys (Video) Michal Shapiro 2011

It opens with just fiddle David Greely, in one of his last performances with the band, accordion and triangle; something akin to what I heard the Balfa Brothers play way back when, before the band kicks in for a solid two-step.

Michal Shapiro: Cajun Dancing in Midtown Manhattan: 2 Song From Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys (Video) Michal Shapiro 2011

I didn't realize at the time that the Balfa Brothers were pioneers, having raised the denigrated profile of the Cajun heritage to a prideful place.

Michal Shapiro: Cajun Dancing in Midtown Manhattan: 2 Song From Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys (Video) Michal Shapiro 2011

I developed a taste for Louisiana's Cajun music pretty early on in life when I attended a concert by the Balfa Brothers.

Michal Shapiro: Cajun Dancing in Midtown Manhattan: 2 Song From Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys (Video) Michal Shapiro 2011

The band, fronted by Dewey Balfa totally charmed me with their personal warmth and humor.

Michal Shapiro: Cajun Dancing in Midtown Manhattan: 2 Song From Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys (Video) Michal Shapiro 2011

Get started with the classic and authentic 1967 title "Valse de Balfa," from The Balfa Brothers Play Traditional Cajun Music 1 & 2.

Phil Ramone and Danielle Evin: Dog Ears Music: Volume 106 2010