"Catahoula Stomp" - Falcon Trio

The mid-1930s saw a dramatic change for Cajun musicians, one that had the largest effect on traditional accordion players.  The old-fashioned sound of the 20s was gone and American pop songs, mainly driven by string bands, were all the rage.  Slowly, groups like Leo Soileau and the Falcons had to adapt to these growing changes to meet the demand in the dance-halls of the South. 

One of Joe and Cleoma Falcon's favorite places to play was at Catahoula Lake near the Atchafalaya Basin in St. Martin Parish.   The "lake" is actually a wide section of water at the junction of Bayou Mersier and Bayou Berard Canal.  The town of Catahoula was established here and by 1928, dance-halls popped up such as the large Catahoula Inn and Noe Lasseigne's dance-hall.  The Catahoula Inn boasted a large gathering room for 2500 dancers and became a popular spot for area musicians to perform.  

Cleoma Breaux Falcon

Once I loved a darling seaman,

Oh, and he thought this world of me,

Until another girl persuaded,

And now he cares no more for me.

I don't want your greenback dollar,

I don't want your watch and chain,

Yes, all I want is your heart, darling,

Won't you take me back again?

Oh, many a strolls we took together,

Oh, down beside the deep blue sea,

But in your heart, you love another,

But in my grave I'd rather be.

I don't want your greenback dollar,

Oh, I don't want your watch and chain,

Yes, all I want is your 22-20,

Just to shoot out your dirty brain.

Papa says we cannot marry,

Oh mama says it'll never do,

But if you ever learn to love me,

I will run away with you.

Catahoula Inn, 1928

In 1936, fiddler Moise Morgan tagged along with Joe and Cleoma to create their own unique string band sound.  In New Orleans, the trio covered their rendition of the old traditional "I Don't Want Your Greenback Dollar" which is slightly based on a song called "East Virginia Blues".  Leo Soileau used a similar melody in his English hillbilly recording of "Little Darling Pal of Mine". Maybe fearing royalty conflicts or legal action by other labels, RCA had the trio change the title.  Being a frequent performer at Lasseigne's dance-hall hot spot along the lake, the song became the "Catahoula Stomp" (#2186).  To increase sales in the Cajun market, the record company pressed the song on the flip-side of a Hackberry Ramblers tune.  This cover of a beloved English radio tune foreshadowed the style which the Falcons soon found themselves accustomed.  

1. Lyrics by Jimmy Walker

Release Info:
BS-99231-1 Catahoula Stomp | Bluebird B-2186-A
BS 99213-1 Leave Me If You Wish (Hackberry Ramblers) | Bluebird B-2186-B