Cedric Watson

A Creole musician rooted in southern Louisiana, Cedric Watson performs on fiddle and accordion while composing and delivering his own material. His initial full-length solo release arrived in 2008 as the Grammy-nominated album Cedric Watson, following several years of earlier work alongside the Pine Leaf Boys and additional partners. Born in 1983, he spent his childhood in Sealy, Texas before relocating to Lafayette, Louisiana, where the local music community aligned closely with his abilities. His first commercial recording appeared in 2004 on the Savoy-Michot Cajun Band’s album L’Autre Bord de l’Eau. That project drew strong critical notice, prompting Offbeat magazine to honor the group with its Best Emerging Cajun Band of 2004 award. Building on that recognition, bandleader Wilson Savoy (accordion, fiddle, vocals) joined forces with Watson to form the Cajun group the Pine Leaf Boys, whose Arhoolie Records debut La Musique surfaced in 2006. During the same period Watson contributed to several other projects: the 2006 Valcour Records collaboration Goin’ Down to Louisiana with accordionist Corey Ledet; the 2006 Valcour compilation Allons Boire un Coup; and the 2006 Arhoolie release Les Amis Creole, recorded with Edward Poullard (accordion, fiddle, vocals) and guitarist James Adams. The Pine Leaf Boys’ follow-up effort, Blues de Musicien (2007), also earned a Grammy nomination. Watson then departed the band to pursue a solo path focused on Creole traditions. His 2008 eponymous album Cedric Watson marked the first full-length solo statement and received another Grammy nomination. The likewise Grammy-nominated follow-up L’Ésprit Créole (2009) showcases his backing ensemble Bijou Créole, consisting of Mike Chaisson on frottoir, Blake Miller on bass, Chris Stafford on guitar, and Jermaine Prejean on drums.