Louis Michot has been very, very busy lately. He produced the latest Corey Ledet Zydeco album (reviewed here) and has had his hand in many other projects. Now the Lost Bayou Ramblers songwriter and fiddler has put out his first album, a collaborative affair replete with Louisiana musical luminaries (and some from farther afield, like Bombino).

Louis Michot Rêve de Troubador (self-released)

And some artists who are less known, like the multi-instrumentalist and instrument inventor Quintron, who graces the first song. Michot gives each guest plenty of room to color their song, which allows this collection to serve as something of a New Orleans/Louisiana musicalogue.

Unlike many of his recent projects, the production here is often sparse. Some songs sound more like field recordings than studio creations. That adds to the archival feel, and it certainly leaves these songs awash in authenticity.

By refusing to stick to a particular style or sound, Michot has crafted a ramshackle encyclopedia of Louisiana music. But while the sound is often rickety, the bones are solid. Like his day job (the Ramblers), Michot embraces all of the cacophonies and contradictions of Louisiana and its music. There’s always something new and exciting lurking. Michot knows all the best fishing holes.

Jon Worley