Includes liner notes by Jim Bessman and Ann Savoy.
EVANGELINE MADE was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Folk Album.
While zydeco music has gotten the lion's share of attention and crossover success over the years, it's quieter country cousin Cajun music has lingered in the background, despite being just as influential on other forms of American music as zydeco. EVANGELINE MADE attempts to redress the balance by gathering together legendary artists from the worlds of country, rock, pop, and folk who were inspired by Cajun music for a rousing tribute. Backed by an impressive cast of dyed-in-the-wool New Orleans Cajun musicians, these artists leave their egos at the door for an extremely soulful outing that never reeks of star turn. An honest passion is evident in Richard Thompson's fleet "Les Flammes D'Enfer," David Johansen's gritty "Ma Mule," and John Fogerty's hearty guitar and vocal work on the chestnut "Diggy Liggy Lo." A wise avoidance of overproduction and a focus on artist with genuine love for Cajun music (not to mention a surplus of talent) help make EVANGELINE MADE an unqualified success at opening up new avenues for one of America's oldest musical traditions.
