BeauSoleil lets the good times roll

A fine Cajun stew is brewing on BeauSoleil's latest CD.

CD REVIEW

Its title is “Alligator Purse,” but “Jambalaya” seems more apropos for this spicy blend of French, Western and Caribbean traditions, with a hint of country, swing and New Orleans jazz.

The first cut even sounds a little Celtic, even though it's “Reel Cajun.” Fiery fiddles dance over a steady beat that just naturally transfers to your feet.

Michael Doucet, the voice of the group and keeper of his ancestral flame, brings his clear, pure tone to lyrics French and English. Singing without vibrato puts a terrific, sharpened edge to his upper range.

Every song seems to embrace a different style, and several inject a wink of humor. A low bass growl sneaks up on the syncopated “Carriere Zydeco,” like a gator crawling onto shore to add his bite to the relentless rhythms. An a cappella novelty intro leads into some zippy accordion on the title track, “Alligator Purse,” and “Theogene Creole” jumps feet-first into the Caribbean to unleash some island fever.

Muted trombone drops “Les Orignons” smack-dab into the Latin Quarter for some excellent New Orleans jazz, while guest vocalist Natalie Merchant stops by for a country-fried Cajun duet on “Little Darlin'.”

The disc wraps up with the most traditional of French chanson sounds with “Valse a Thomas Ardoin.”

The best part is that Eastern Iowans can get their Cajun fix in person, when BeauSoleil Avec Michael Doucet makes its CSPS debut Friday night at 8. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

FAST TAKE

Title: “Alligator Purse”

Artist: BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet

Label: Yep Roc Records

Performance: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, with Tim Eriksen opening

Where: CSPS, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids

Tickets: $25 in advance at www.iowatix.com or $31 at the door

Information: www.legionarts.org or www.rosebudus.com/beausoleil