Sweet Cecilia’s ‘A Tribute to Al Berard’ Is Up for a Grammy Award
Louisiana-based trio Sweet Cecilia recently received a Grammy nomination for their scrumptious, beautiful album, A Tribute to Al Berard. Produced by Grammy-winner Tony Diagle who has worked with BB King and others, the album is gloriously wrought.
Sisters Laura Huval and Maegan Berard, along with first cousin, Callie Guidry, make up Sweet Cecilia. Playing and singing together from childhood, the threesome follows in the footsteps of their father and uncle, Al “Pyook” Berard, who encouraged them to pursue music.
Their name — Sweet Cecilia — is a nod to their hometown, Cecilia, Louisiana, as well as the patron Saint of Musicians, St. Cecilia. Officially formed in 2011, Sweet Cecilia dropped their debut self-titled album in 2015. In 2017, they released their sophomore album, Sing Me a Story,
Sweet Cecilia’s sound amalgamates aspects of Americana, Louisiana roots music, folk, rock, country aromas, and rock into tantalizing sonic confections chock-full of mesmerizing hues.
The trio has performed at Festival International de Louisiane, Festival Acadiens et Creole, the legendary Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, Festival International, the French Quarter Festival, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, as well as many more.
Encompassing seven-tracks, the album begins with “Tout Les Cadien Content,” delivering tasty tinctures of Louisiana bog tints merged with relishes of pop dynamics. Laura struts her grand vocal prowess, imbuing the lyrics with exhilarating timbres and alluring flair.
Entry points include “Dans La Louisiane,” rife with opulent harmonies and velvety textures. A personal favorite is “Fais Do Do Waltz,” brimming with Maegan’s luminous guitar and the delectable purr of a fiddle. The undulating rhythm of the tune is topped by flawless vocals.
“Saute La Barriere” (Jump the Fence) travels on indulgent, blues-flavored colors and then transitions into a tune seething with country and alt-rock elements. A down and dirty guitar solo from Meagan gives the tune tasty foggy-bottom brio.
On the final track, “Sing Me A Song,” the threesome parade their stellar chromatic fusion as their voices unite in exquisite a cappella.
On A Tribute to Al Berard, Sweet Cecilia offers music at once elegant, intimate, and mesmerizing — a marvelous showcase of superb talent.
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