Introduction to Common Cajun Instruments -- Part IV -- The Triangle or Ti-fer (and other)

Introduction to Common Cajun Instruments -- Part IV -- The Triangle or Ti-fer (and other): "In the history of traditional Cajun music, the loud and attention getting 'triangle or ti-fer' (little iron) is often an overlooked part of the sound and feel of this musical genre (pronounced tee fair)." 6 videos.

By Jerilee Wei

Overview of Common Cajun Instruments -- Part II -- The Cajun Fiddle

Overview of Common Cajun Instruments -- Part II -- The Cajun Fiddle: "The backbone of any Cajun music, is the Cajun fiddle. Basically, any violin is technically called a fiddle, no matter what genre of music is being played. The difference with Cajun fiddling is that traditionally, there are two fiddlers. One Cajun fiddler plays the melody, while the other echoes with the rhythmic complement (sometimes called bassing or seconding).



The Cajun fiddle came to Louisiana with our Acadian ancestors. In reality, it was the only instrument used in our early music." 4 videos.

by Jerilee Wei

Overview of Common Cajun Instruments - Part I -- The Cajun Accordion

Overview of Common Cajun Instruments - Part I -- The Cajun Accordion: "In the beginning, Cajun music originated in the late 1800s, in South Louisiana. I'm not going to rehash the whole story of how our Acadian ancestors came to Louisiana, here in this hub. Let's just say our ancestors transported many pleasing ballads of old Acadian stories. Some of those songs came from Old World France. They are the foundation of Cajun music.



Our neighbors, other settlers to Louisiana, were primarily German settlers. They were the ones that gave us the Cajun accordion. It wasn't always a part of our music, just a delightful addition to it. In the days before amplifiers, no doubt it's popular addition to Cajun bands had a lot to do with it's ability to be played loud over the noise of a typical dance hall." 8 videos.

By Jerilee Wei

Bruce Springsteen in 1981 - Jole Blon

Goes with article: Guide to Traditional Cajun Songs

Guide to Traditional Cajun Songs

Guide to Traditional Cajun Songs: "Much like the raconteur tales of old, according to the tastes of the performer, the lyrics of the songs were often improvised or made up as they went along. This created an on-going evolution as the songs were in a constant flow of change. These early Cajun songs were generally performed as unaccompanied ballads. They were narrative songs."

Serious in depth article about the evolution of Cajun folk songs. 5 videos for your listening pleasure too!

By Jerilee Wei
Video above of Bruce Springsteen, rock version of Cajun Jole Blon