Ray Abshire is one of Cajun music's purest accordionists and vocalists and a living link to it's very roots. A member of one of Louisiana's legendary musical families, Ray grew up surrounded by Cajun music's pioneer artists. He has performed with most all of the old masters whose recordings now form the texts for students of today.
In 1975, while at the pinnacle of Cajun music as accordionist with the legendary "Balfa Brothers Band" and helping to open windows for Cajun music in the nation's musical consciousness, Ray left the bandstand. Abshire's return to the stage has been hailed by both critics and fans alike. He is once again at the forefront and sharing his knowledge and skills with a new generation.
Recognized as a master musician and one of the resurgence leaders of Cajun music, Ray now enjoys conducting workshops, teaching at music camps and performing at major festivals both nationally and abroad.
Ray's music is unfiltered and has it's own wholesome electricity. He plays it the way it was handed down to him and understands the importance of preserving one of this nation's great "folk" musics. Each and every time you attend a Ray Abshire performance you are guaranteed the "real deal"! Ray's award winning albums "For Old Times Sake" released 2003 and "Don't Stop The Music" released 2005 are available at www.rayabshire.com and single cuts are available below:
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
Ray Abshire my dearest: Nice having you added to my roll of musical friends as an accomplished accordion-player. Your songs are actually a very fine blend of accordion and fiddle pics, fit for dancing people to enliven their bashes and entertain themselves. My father was an apprentice of accordion and I know how hard it is keeping those bellows opening and closing on their endless come-and-go whereas the left hand fingers press and control the bass bottoms. I was enchanted with "Basile Widows" and "Keep your hands off of it" however "Mamon hot step" and your awesome "Town country special" did remind me of our "FORRÓ" music , that country music played here in our Brazilian dancing balls. Congratulations on your so fascinating art. If you have time to spare, please, listen to my newly released CD "Nas quebradas do sertão", four songs of which are already available here on My Space site. For instance I believe that my songs "Galo cantou", "Mariazinha" and "Valsinha pro Tio Nonô" have a lot to do with yours, I mean they might have the same African roots in origin. Your kind comments are important and awaited with love and patience,as they're the fuel every artist needs to evaluate his own art and thus make his wares better and better. Please accept a musical embrace from your Brazilian admirer,
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