Prends Courage

by Magnolia Sisters

Overview

Cajun by predilection but not by birth, Ann Savoy and Jane Vidrine, who perform as the Magnolia Sisters, show their love for their adoptive culture in this recording of traditional Cajun tunes. Prends Courage translates as "Take Courage," and these songs offer words of encouragement from the culture from which they sprang. Both artists perform with their husbands' bands. In Prends Courage, they shine on their own. Ann Savoy, who married Cajun musician Marc Savoy, has done tremendous research in Acadiana, cataloging literally thousands of photographs and stories of the people who settled in the bayou country of southwest Louisiana. She speaks and sings with the authority of her extensive knowledge of the culture. Her diligence on their behalf has won her the acceptance of the people of Acadiana. The Magnolia Sisters are joined by three other musicians: Deborah Helen Viator, Tina Pilone, and Lisa McCauley. Together, they present a decidedly feminine perspective to the music of southwest Louisiana. There are waltzes, two-steps, and lullabys sung in beautiful harmonies, accompanied by guitar and fiddle, accordion and triangle. The songs are diverse in tone, from humorous to melancholy. They tell stories, such as "Sept Ans Sur Mer" and "Les Fils a Noc Hilaire." There are dance tunes, such as "La Valse de Grande Piniere" and "Grand Nuit Special." There are also well-known songs such as "'Tit Monde" and obscure ones, like "Sur La Bord de L'Eau." All are vibrant and heartfelt. They accomplish what their title suggests: they strengthen the heart. ~ Rose of Sharon Witmer

Product Details

Release Date:	06/06/1995
Label:	Arhoolie
UPC:	0096297043929
Rank:	105527

Tracks

1. 'Tit Monde
2. Ch¿¿re Bassette
3. Sur la Bord de l'Eau
4. Les Fils a Nonc Hilaire
5. Brasse Donc, le Couche-Couche/Grand Texas
6. Il Savait Pas J'¿¿tais Mari¿¿e
7. Sept Ans Sur Mer
8. Grande Nuit Special
9. 'Tits Yeux Bleus
10. Je Voudrais Bien Me Marier, Mais...
11. Un' Piastre Ici, un' Piastre l¿¿-Bas
12. Les M¿¿moires Dans Mon Coeur
13. Prends Courage
14. La Valse de Grande Pini¿¿re
15. Tasso
16. Derri¿¿re Chez Nous
17. Braille Pas, Jolis 'Tits Yeux Bleus/Don't Cry My Bonnie Blue Eyes
18. Mama Roseanne
19. La Valse de Courville et McGee
20. Ma Blonde Est Partie
21. Dors, Dors/Fais Do Do
22. La Robe Barr¿¿e

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Magnolia Sisters   Primary Artist
Ann Savoy   Rub,Fiddle,Vocals,Triangle,Accordion,Vocal Harmony,Guitar (Rhythm),Vocals (Background)
Lisa McCauley   Triangle,Guitar (Rhythm)
Deborah Helen Viator   Vocals,Vocal Harmony,Guitar (Rhythm),Vocals (Background)
Jane Vidrine   Fiddle,Guitar,Vocals,Triangle,Vocal Harmony,Guitar (Rhythm),Vocals (Background)
Tina Pilione   Fiddle,Guitar (Rhythm)

Technical Credits

Scott Ardoin   Engineer
Chris Strachwitz   Producer
Ann Savoy   Arranger,Composer,Liner Notes,Translation,Cover Design
Jane Vidrine   Arranger,Composer,Liner Notes
Kim Andrus   Photography
Leroy Broussard   Composer
Traditional   Composer
Iry LeJeune   Composer