Recorded from 1948 to the early '50s. Includes liner notes by Ann Savoy.

Personnel: Iry LeJeune (guitar, accordion); Ernest Fruge (violin).

Liner Note Author: Ann Savoy.

Recording information: Houston, TX (1949-1955); LAke Charles, Lacassine, LA (1949-1955).

Cajun's Greatest: The Definitive Collection compiles Iry LeJeune's original '78s, which do not feature the overdubbed bass that was added in the '60s, onto one compact disc. All of LeJeune's best and most groundbreaking cuts are included here, making this the best compilation of his available. (Goldband's The Legendary Iry LeJeune features a similar track selection, but features the overdubbed bass on each song). ~ Thom Owens

Iry Lejune was one of the leading figures in transforming Cajun music from its fiddle-driven style of the '30s to the accordion-led approach that dominated the genre throughout the '40s and '50s. This material, of late-'40s/early-'50s vintage, showcases the blind accordionist at his most impassioned, in the company of an equally nimble fiddler, bassist, and guitarist.

Waltzes dominate the proceedings, with no fewer than seven songs that contain the word "Waltz" in their title. The jangly and plaintive "Durald Waltz" is spiked by yelps both human and canine in origin. There are some surprising stylistic diversions here that keep things interesting, most notably "Te Mone," with its swooning slide-guitar outro. Another highpoint is "Church Point Breakdown," a track that almost seems to presage the Dylan gem "Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again." Those who can comprehend the Cajun French in which LeJune so passionately sings will no doubt gain added pleasure from this collection. In selections like "Grand Nuit Special" and "Clacasieu Waltz," LeJune seems stirred on by vocal forces of the rarest insistency.