Michael Doucet - Lâcher Prise (2020)

"one of the leading figures in American traditional folk music" - LA Times

"an American national treasure" - Sarah Zupko, PopMatters

Michael Doucet the GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, artist, founder of BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, and Cajun legend crafts the quintessential Louisiana soundtrack to a good time on his new solo album, LÂCHER PRISE. Joined by Sarah Quintana [vocals, guitar], Chad Viator [guitar], Chris French [bass], and Jim Kolacek [drums], he stirs up a sweet and simmering brew of Acadian tradition, swamp soul, and infectious grooves.

"In French, Lâcher Prise means 'let go'," Doucet explains. "It's also a Buddhist term. When it came to making this music, it was just total freedom. The new songs were different from what I typically do, so we formed a group of great people and musicians. I've reached a point in my life and career where I can do whatever the hell I want to do. There's freedom for everybody because of the mutual respect though." Doucet describes the album's music as "Les îles Français Zarico", a description that takes into account an eclectic mix of styles including New Orleans rhythm & blues and Southwest Louisiana rock 'n roll, as well as his own interpretations of zydeco and Cajun, infused with the intoxicating rhythms of the French Caribbean.

The new band, now known as Michael Doucet avec Lâcher Prise, recorded the ten songs comprising the debut in just three days at Dockside in Maurice, Louisiana, a hallowed studio that has hosted everyone from Dr. John to Allen Toussaint, and Rod Stewart to Arcade Fire. The triumvirate of Doucet, Viator, and Compass Records co-founder Garry West produced, and friends including Sarah Dugas (The Duhks), Reese Wynans (Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Bonamassa), and Jim Hoke (NRBQ) lent their respective talents to the end result.