From Bamako to Carencro

Beausoleil is the most well-known band performing music derived from the Cajun culture of Louisiana. With flavors of jazz, blues and rock and roll, the band's cross genre appeal and instrumental prowess have earned them fans across the roots music world. Their debut album for Compass Records-From BAMAKO TO CARENCRO- takes it's name from the cultural connection between Bamako, in Mali, West Africa, and Louisiana, symbolized in name by the Lafayette, LA suburb of Carencro. Featured on the album are band members Michael Doucet (fiddle and lead vocals), David Doucet (guitar and vocals), Billy Ware (percussion) and Tommy Alissi (drums) and Mitchell Reed (bass and fiddle). Guests Jessie Lege (button accordion), Cory Ledet (piano accordion), and special guest, multi-instrumentalist Don Vappe (acoustic bass, electric bass, electric guitar, mandolin) round out the mix. The new album includes the celebrated Cajun/Creole-rooted music the band is known for, but also includes some notable jazz, blues and R&B.