Michael Doucet - Lacher Prise [CD]

"one of the leading figures in American traditional folk music…" - LA Times <p> "an American national treasure" - Sarah Zupko, PopMatters <p> Michael Doucet the GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, artist, founder of BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, and Cajun legend crafts the quintessential Louisiana soundtrack to a good time on his new solo album, LÂCHER PRISE. Joined by Sarah Quintana [vocals, guitar], Chad Viator [guitar], Chris French [bass], and Jim Kolacek [drums], he stirs up a sweet and simmering brew of Acadian tradition, swamp soul, and infectious grooves. <p> "In French, Lâcher Prise means 'let go'," Doucet explains. "It's also a Buddhist term. When it came to making this music, it was just total freedom. The new songs were different from what I typically do, so we formed a group of great people and musicians. I've reached a point in my life and career where I can do whatever the hell I want to do. There's freedom for everybody because of the mutual respect though." Doucet describes the album's music as "Les îles Français Zarico", a description that takes into account an eclectic mix of styles including New Orleans rhythm & blues and Southwest Louisiana rock 'n roll, as well as his own interpretations of zydeco and Cajun, infused with the intoxicating rhythms of the French Caribbean. <p> The new band, now known as Michael Doucet avec Lâcher Prise, recorded the ten songs comprising the debut in just three days at Dockside in Maurice, Louisiana, a hallowed studio that has hosted everyone from Dr. John to Allen Toussaint, and Rod Stewart to Arcade Fire. The triumvirate of Doucet, Viator, and Compass Records co-founder Garry West produced, and friends including Sarah Dugas (The Duhks), Reese Wynans (Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Bonamassa), and Jim Hoke (NRBQ) lent their respective talents to the end result.