Along with The Pine Leaf Boys, Feufollet represents Cajun youth. Since we're seeing so many young Bluegrass bands, Americana/roots groups, Celtic and French Canadian ensembles there's no reason to be surprised. You'll hear Cajun tradition all right with fiddle and accordion, but Feufollet ("fuf fah lay") adds almost a rock energy and a jazz like approach in their arrangements. For example, you'll often hear the fiddle, accordion and guitar players splitting breaks and taking solos instead of the more traditional ensemble playing. It's still dance music, but it's fun to listen to it even when you're not dancing.

There are several different singers, but the standout is Anna Laura Edmiston. A female lead singer in this genre is not common. But then, nothing this group brings to the table is what you've had before. Try "Femme L'A Dit" which fuses Cajun with New Orleans Jazz. What a hoot. I would have seen this group at Merlefest last year, but they were playing in the student center to a restricted crowd of 18 and under. 18 and under? Usually my fake ID works to my advantage. Darn!

-- by Jim Blum