Customer Reviews

J'Ai Ete au Bal (I Went to the Dance)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

J'ai Ete Au Bal is loaded with toe-tappin performances and fascinating interviews by musicians like Clifton Chenier, Canray Fontenot, Harry Choates, Marc & Ann Savoy, and countless other brilliant Cajun and Zydeco performers. Also, some of these musicians talk about the origins of Cajun and Zydeco music, as well as the differences between the two. Unlike musicians in many other forms of music, you really believe these musicians play for the sheer love of the music (they sure aren't in it for the money, because most of them aren't making much of it). J'ai Ete Au Bal will make a fan of Cajun and Zydeco music out of anyone. Another great film from Les Blank and friends.

This documentary on Cajun/Zydeco and its evolution is a delight. It covers what people do in Louisiana, when they're not eating. (grin)

Has the same feel Blank's "Chulas Fronteras".

His "Yum, Yum, Yum" (on Cajun cooking---which covers the rest of what Cajuns do when they aren't dancing and singing)(double grin) is one of my top favorite videos of all time, and I worked in a media library for years, so I've seen a LOT of video/film. A lot of Blank's stuff is hard to find, and often can only bought public performance (expensive). If the price seems a bit high, just know these are videos you will watch over and over.

Watching this video and "Yum" back to back----It's the next best thing to a trip to Louisiana.

I first saw this documentary in the 80's on VHS; we are so lucky it's on DVD with additional footage. I have Louisiana French in my background, many of who didn't speak English. This is a great explanation for outsiders of the music and culture of South Louisiana. It truly can be like another country; I remember in college many years ago the French exchange students used to love to drive to Louisiana to hear their French! Kudos to the Savoy's who have kept up the tradition, and so many thanks to those who have translated the traditional performers to DVD--so many have passed on now. Far from complete, but what film could be? It is a terrific introduction to the spirit and fun in this unique and beautiful State.

Fans of Les Blank need only know that this is up to his usual standards. For those not yet acquainted with his work, this can be a good introduction, especially if they like zydeco and Cajun music. It provides a thoughtful historical perspective on these musical traditions, on their development within Cajun and Creole communities, and on their interactions with other kinds of music. And you get to see and hear lots of great music being made. It's a DVD worth repeated viewings.

Even if you are not a Cajun, you will find yourself up and dancing watching this movie! 34 years ago I was introduced to Cajun music at a folk festival in Jamaica. I have been hooked ever since.

My husband is Cajun and he says that this is one of the best movies he has ever seen about chank-a-chank and the history of the Cajun people's music.

This is a must see for Cajun music fans!!!

For Cajun music perveyers, I found this an excellent all round great pick. It documentary style didn't lessen the music or the personalities of the various musicians and the times they lived through. There's plenty of music and interesting stories that takes you through the history of not only the music, but the Cajun culture. Though a bit of an old production, it remains timeless.

I saw this film years ago at the Film Center in Chicago and it still packs a wallop today. Jam packed with fantastic music and info. If you have any interest at all in Cajun/Zydeco music check this out. You won't be sorry. By the way, if it wasn't for John Conquest and 3rd Coast Music I might not even know this was out.