Jambalaya cajun band

Biography

The Jambalaya Cajun Band is a prominent Cajun and zydeco ensemble that originated in the late 1970s in the Breaux Bridge area of Louisiana. Founded by Terry Huval and his brother Tony Huval, the band quickly became a staple of the regional music scene, known for its authentic Cajun sound and energetic performances. Over the decades, the group has played a vital role in preserving and promoting Cajun culture, performing at major festivals such as Festivals Acadiens et Creole for over 40 years. Their polished sound is a product of their long-standing presence and dedication to the genre, earning them recognition as an 'Up and Coming Band' and second place in the 'Musician du Bar' contest at Acadian Village in 1984.

Musically, the Jambalaya Cajun Band blends traditional Cajun instrumentation—featuring fiddle, accordion, and rhythm section—with zydeco influences, creating a vibrant and danceable sound. Terry Huval, a native speaker of Cajun French, is recognized as one of Cajun music's finest fiddlers and songwriters, contributing significantly to the band's repertoire and style. The group has also paid tribute to legendary Cajun musicians such as Aldus Roger and Lawrence Walker through special performances, further cementing their role as cultural ambassadors of Cajun music.

Fun Facts

  • The Jambalaya Cajun Band won second place in the 'Musician du Bar' contest at Acadian Village, Lafayette, Louisiana in 1984.
  • They have performed at Festivals Acadiens et Creole for over 40 years, making them one of the festival's longest-running acts.
  • The band's first recording was titled 'Buggy'.
  • Terry Huval, the band's leader, is also a director of technology and a native speaker of Cajun French.

Members

  • Kenneth David
  • Bobby Dumatrait
  • Terry Huval - original
  • Tony Huval

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Aldus Roger - Stylistic influence and tribute subject (Tribute shows) [1980s–present]
  • Lawrence Walker - Stylistic influence and tribute subject (Tribute shows) [1980s–present]

Key Collaborators

  • Terry Huval - Fiddler, vocalist, and bandleader (Jambalaya Cajun Band) [1977–present]
  • Tony Huval - Drummer and founding member (Jambalaya Cajun Band) [1977–present]
  • Reggie Matte - Co-leader and band member (Jambalaya Cajun Band) [1980s–present]

Connection Network

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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Instrumental Collection 1992-01-20 Album
C'est Fun! 1990 Album
Lessons Learned 1999-02-01 Album
Joyeux Noël 1992-11-06 Album
Laisse les jeunes jouer 1994-07-06 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Mamou Mardi Gras Hot Step - Instrumental (Cajun and Zydeco Mardi Gras)
  2. Jambalaya - Instrumental (Instrumental Collection)
  3. Chanson de Mardi Gras - Instrumental (Cajun and Zydeco Mardi Gras)
  4. Hathaway Two Step - Instrumental (Instrumental Collection)
  5. Mamou Hot Step - Instrumental (Instrumental Collection)
  6. Le chanson de Mardi Gras - Instrumental (Instrumental Collection)
  7. Quoi faire - Instrumental (Instrumental Collection)
  8. 'Tit galop pour la pointe aux pins (C'est Fun!)
  9. Hey Rock (C'est Fun!)
  10. Bon wisky (C'est Fun!)

References

  1. bear-family.com
  2. downtowncajunband.nl
  3. festivalsacadiens.com
  4. acadianmuseum.com
  5. hideawayonlee.com
  6. documentproviderviewer.nsula.edu
  7. cajunandzydeco.wordpress.com

Heard on WWOZ

Jambalaya cajun band has been played 4 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Dec 21, 202512:37Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeerfrom Joyeux NoelCajun and Zydecow/ Charles Laborde or Jim Hobbs
Dec 21, 202512:23Sur La Couverturefrom Joyeaux NoelCajun and Zydecow/ Charles Laborde or Jim Hobbs
Dec 14, 202512:48Noel chez Mom et Popfrom Joyeaux NoelCajun and Zydecow/ Charles Laborde or Jim Hobbs
Nov 23, 202512:35Une Mouche Dans Mon Couche couchefrom C'est Fun!Cajun and Zydecow/ Charles Laborde or Jim Hobbs