Cajun Music and Zydeco with Compact Disc

Over the past two decades, the traditional music of French-speaking Louisianans has undergone an exciting renaissance, sparked by the first Tribute to Cajun Music in Lafayette, La., in 1974. Photographer Gould, then just 22, covered the event for a small-town newspaper and has been taking pictures of cajun and zydeco acolytes ever since. Ancelet, a folklorist who organized the 1974 tribute, provides a succinct introduction explaining the music's roots: the lilting, keening Cajun music comes from the white descendants of French Canadians who migrated to the Louisiana bayous in the 18th century, while the more percussive, ``party-down'' sound of zydeco grows out of the black Creole culture of French-speaking African-Americans. Gordon's 108 striking color photographs include vibrant portraits of such stars as Clifton Chenier, Boozoo Chavis, Nathan Abshire and Zachary Richard, as well as pictures of the audiences and the often shabby concert venues that affectionately capture the culture's sweaty, down-home, good-time atmosphere. A nice introduction to this delightful folk music, and a treat for fans. ( Sept. )