Album Notes

Join The Midway Ramblers for an irresistible taste of Southwest Louisiana music, from the traditions of Cajun and Creole to high energy Zydeco with a little Swamp Pop thrown in for spice! Etoufee!, The Ramblers' third CD, is our most adventurous journey yet into the roots and limits of Southwest Louisiana music. Named for the savory and piquant Cajun stew of crawfish, andouille sausage or chicken with special spices bound by a thick roux over rice, etoufee seems to capture the spirit and spice of this music. It is the dance music you would enjoy any night of the week across the prairies and bayous of Southwest Louisiana. Lagniappe, chers, it's a party!

The core of The Midway Ramblers is a family band in the tradition of many Cajun bands from Louisiana: Denise and Earl are husband and wife and Dennis is Denise's brother. Dennis and Denise discovered Cajun music after a lifetime of studying, teaching and performing classical and jazz piano, a legacy from their father. Earl learned the guitar in Chile while in the Peace Corps. Stu is a long time Chicago musician who teaches and performs in many styles and is the leader of Waterhouse, the long running reggae band in Chicago. Bill is a noted caller of square and contra-dance in the Midwest, and Leo has played hip hop, jazz, rock, and industrial rock as well as Tex-Mex and Mexican banda music.

Dennis, Denise, and Earl have visited, lived and studied in Louisiana with living and past legends of Cajun music, to whom they give special thanks. The Midway Ramblers love playing for new friends and old and hope that this music inspires you to learn more about the history, culture, and music of the people of Southwest Louisiana.