Louis Michot
SEAUXLEAUX
*** out of *****
The second solo record from Louis Michot, titled SEAUXLEAUX, follows up his 2023 solo debut, Rêve du Troubadour. While Michot has won GRAMMYS with his main act the Lost Bayou Ramblers, his solo debut looked to mix his Acadian/Louisiana French sound and singing with larger influences such as electro-bass/drums and Tuareg guitar. On this follow up, all the outside influences and guests go away and it is just Michot, stripped down.
Recorded live at Dockside Studio in Louisiana, Michot keeps his culture vibrant through his music while also looking to move the sounds in unique directions. There are quite a few direct fiddle numbers that keep things bare bones with stomping, strumming and singing in Louisiana French, such as the opener "Meche Perdu" closer, "La Terre du Bon Dieu" and the upbeat "Bayou Pon Pon" as Michot adds extra stomp to his sound with electo-drum foot taps.
While Michot has been a fiddler of great renown for a while, one of the more interesting tracks here is his instrumental "O ma Charmante, épargnez moi!" which showcase his acoustic guitar playing. The tune moves from ominous to bright with cinematic flourishes. Other highlights are Michot's English sung indie-folk number "One of these days" which is sly, sarcastic and sad, while he goes back to pre-Lead Belly for a stirring version of "Dans les pins".
In the center of the album Michot does more experimentation with "Tout un beau soir" which echoes like a lonely old folk song and the less successful "Boscoyo Fleaux" which finds Michot almost rapping in French around echoing and deep beats.
At times introspective, at times yearning, at times playful Louis Michot brings emotions and history from his deep Acadian roots on the one man effort, SEAUXLEAUX.
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