Search - J'Ai Ete au Bal (I Went to the Dance) on DVD

Fans of Les Blank won't be disappointed

01/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"J'ai Ete Au Bal is loaded with toe-tappin performances and fascinating interviews by musicians like Clifton Chenier, Canray Fontenot, Harry Choates, Marc & Ann Savoy, and countless other brilliant Cajun and Zydeco performers. Also, some of these musicians talk about the origins of Cajun and Zydeco music, as well as the differences between the two. Unlike musicians in many other forms of music, you really believe these musicians play for the sheer love of the music (they sure aren't in it for the money, because most of them aren't making much of it). J'ai Ete Au Bal will make a fan of Cajun and Zydeco music out of anyone. Another great film from Les Blank and friends."

Les Blank does it again

Janet M. Sugino | Brinnon WA | 03/10/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This documentary on Cajun/Zydeco and its evolution is a delight. It covers what people do in Louisiana, when they're not eating. (grin)Has the same feel Blank's "Chulas Fronteras".His "Yum, Yum, Yum" (on Cajun cooking---which covers the rest of what Cajuns do when they aren't dancing and singing)(double grin) is one of my top favorite videos of all time, and I worked in a media library for years, so I've seen a LOT of video/film. A lot of Blank's stuff is hard to find, and often can only bought public performance (expensive). If the price seems a bit high, just know these are videos you will watch over and over.Watching this video and "Yum" back to back----It's the next best thing to a trip to Louisiana."

Aye eee!

Michael Kohlman | Parkville | 03/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For Cajun music perveyers, I found this an excellent all round great pick. It documentary style didn't lessen the music or the personalities of the various musicians and the times they lived through. There's plenty of music and interesting stories that takes you through the history of not only the music, but the Cajun culture. Though a bit of an old production, it remains timeless."