Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys began thirty-five years ago with a reputation for excellence. Their stunningly clean and cohesive performance of Cajun French music from the backwaters of Southwest Louisiana propelled them into the world music limelight early on, and by their third release, Trace of Time, had garnered them a Grammy nomination in the worldwide field of traditional folk music, another in 2004 for Bon Reve, in 2009 for Live at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and again in 2011 for their release, Grand Isle.
From the day they started, they have gone from strength to strength. Never before in Cajun music has a comparable wealth of skills been brought to the same table.
When all that heart and all that skill focus on the revelry of a hot two-step, then turn on a dime and deliver an a cappella ballad, then play something that sounds like Howlin’ Wolf fell in love with a Creole girl, you’ve found the most Cajun music you can find in any one spot. You’ve found Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys.
Steve Riley, of Mamou Louisiana, is a widely acknowledged master of the Cajun accordion and its singularly powerful sound. There has never been an official competition among Cajun accordionists. Whenever a contest does arise, Steve Riley usually wins it, or judges it. Despite the lack of official metrics or quantifying factors, it remains true that most people think Steve is the best there is, and very few would argue the point. His playing is a standard by which timing, phrasing and ingenuity are measured on the royal instrument of South Louisiana. That, combined with his searing, emotional vocals, songwriting, soulful fiddling and onstage front man charisma have led many to refer to the band simply as “Steve Riley.” For many, that would be enough, but for this band, and its devoted fans, there’s much, much more.
In addition to having recorded and performed with the likes of Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, Elvis Costello, Willie Nelson and Paul Simon, Steve is also a founding member of the Lil Band o’ Gold and the Band Courtbouillon with whom he, Wayne Toups, and Wilson Savoy won a Grammy award in 2013!
David Greely was born in Baton Rouge of Irish and Cajun ancestry. After years of playing vintage country fiddle professionally in Texas and Nashville he was ready to immerse himself in his grandparents’ music and language. David and Steve Riley formed the Mamou Playboys in 1988. He studied fiddle with Dewey Balfa and dove deep into the Archive of Cajun and Creole music to find forgotten songs that they could bring back to the rural dance halls they played every weekend. It became natural for them to weave fresh ideas into that tradition and still maintain their connection to their heroes and their audience. David is excited to be back with the band after a ten-year hiatus as a solo artist.
Sam Broussard generates a cyclone of guitar. On acoustic, electric and electric slide he carries the music of his ancestry farther than it’s ever gone, and garners the lion’s share of spontaneous applause for his soloing skills. Add to that his songwriting, arranging and tenor singing and the result is a feast of creativity that can motivate a packed dance hall or a concert audience.
Burke Riley, 14 year old son of legendary Cajun musician Steve Riley, began his musical journey at a very early age. By age 3, Burke was already onstage sitting in with the band Courtbouillon and the Mamou Playboys playing drums, his groove solid and natural talent undeniable even at such an early age. He soon transferred his rhythm skills to acoustic guitar, a natural progression that lead to his deepening knowledge of the importance of Cajun music’s groove. He picked up accordion at age 6, quickly tackling some of Cajun music’s most complex melodies.
This kind hearted, talented young man, will wow you with is incredible musical ability and command of whatever instrument he plays! He’s one of the new generation, quickly taking his place among the greats with whom he was raised playing! We’re happy to have him with us singing high harmony and holding down the Playboys’ signature groove.
Thomas David