aaamusic | On 05, Mar 2011

Amede Ardoin, born in 1898 in Louisiana was considered one of the forerunners in Cajun music in the 20^th century and was notable for his high singing voice. He later died in 1941 but now Tompkins Square releases his complete recordings from 1929 – 1934 entitled ‘Mama, I’ll Be Gone‘ which is released on the 1^st of March 2011 and available as a two disc package. Upon hearing this album it was unlike anything I’ve heard before and although the sound quality was grainy (due to how old the recording was) I couldn’t help but feel moved by this beautiful music. Accompanied by incredible fiddle playing Amede has an intense and varied vocal range which I haven’t heard in any modern forms of music. It’s great that this wonderful form of music hasn’t been lost and is now available to a new generation.

Author: Ahmed Pandor