Biography
The California Cajun Orchestra stands as the sole ensemble based full-time in the state that devotes itself exclusively to Cajun repertoire, demonstrating that the genre’s signature two-steps and waltzes extend well beyond their southwest Louisiana origins. Emerging from the earlier Blue Flame Stringband, the group recasts the bayou tradition into a vibrant, rhythm-driven style tailored for dancers.
Danny Poullard, the ensemble’s sole member born and raised in Cajun country, grew up in Eunice, Louisiana, absorbing a passion for music from his accordion-playing father, John. After relocating to San Francisco in the early 1960s, Poullard spent several years in the Louisiana Playboys alongside accordionist John Simeon; when Simeon passed away, Poullard took over direction of that ensemble. In 1982 he joined forces with Eric and Suzy Thompson, both formerly of the Blue Flame Stringband, to establish the California Cajun Orchestra.
Although she trained in classical violin during childhood, Suzy Thompson discovered Cajun music after experiencing a Balfa Brothers performance and later deepened her command of the style through study with fiddler Dewey Balfa on repeated visits to Louisiana. Beyond her work with the California Cajun Orchestra, she maintains an active career as a session player, appearing on recordings by the Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band, Laurie Lewis, and Sukay. In 1994 she represented the United States on the multi-nation “Fiddlers On Fire” tour of the United Kingdom.
Eric Thompson first gained notice as an accompanist on the Boston/Cambridge folk circuit of the early 1960s and briefly belonged to the Charles River Valley Boys. Drawing inspiration from steel guitarist J.B. Fuselier, he developed a fluid, melodic flatpicking approach that earned him the world championship at the Union Grove Fiddlers’ Convention in the mid-1960s. In addition to the California Cajun Orchestra, his credits include performances and recordings with David Grisman, Mike Seeger, Michael Doucet, the Balfa Brothers, and the late Jerry Garcia.
Completing the lineup are second fiddler Kevin Wimmer, formerly of the Good Ol’ Persons, washboard specialist Charlie St. Mary, and drummer Terry O’Dwyer.
Danny Poullard, the ensemble’s sole member born and raised in Cajun country, grew up in Eunice, Louisiana, absorbing a passion for music from his accordion-playing father, John. After relocating to San Francisco in the early 1960s, Poullard spent several years in the Louisiana Playboys alongside accordionist John Simeon; when Simeon passed away, Poullard took over direction of that ensemble. In 1982 he joined forces with Eric and Suzy Thompson, both formerly of the Blue Flame Stringband, to establish the California Cajun Orchestra.
Although she trained in classical violin during childhood, Suzy Thompson discovered Cajun music after experiencing a Balfa Brothers performance and later deepened her command of the style through study with fiddler Dewey Balfa on repeated visits to Louisiana. Beyond her work with the California Cajun Orchestra, she maintains an active career as a session player, appearing on recordings by the Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band, Laurie Lewis, and Sukay. In 1994 she represented the United States on the multi-nation “Fiddlers On Fire” tour of the United Kingdom.
Eric Thompson first gained notice as an accompanist on the Boston/Cambridge folk circuit of the early 1960s and briefly belonged to the Charles River Valley Boys. Drawing inspiration from steel guitarist J.B. Fuselier, he developed a fluid, melodic flatpicking approach that earned him the world championship at the Union Grove Fiddlers’ Convention in the mid-1960s. In addition to the California Cajun Orchestra, his credits include performances and recordings with David Grisman, Mike Seeger, Michael Doucet, the Balfa Brothers, and the late Jerry Garcia.
Completing the lineup are second fiddler Kevin Wimmer, formerly of the Good Ol’ Persons, washboard specialist Charlie St. Mary, and drummer Terry O’Dwyer.
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