Women in the Room

Although he's a cousin of foremost Cajun traditionalist Beausoleil's Michael Doucet, Zachary Richard has tried to concoct a hybrid of Cajun music and rock. Signed to a major label--always an impressive achievement for a traditionally based performer--Richard has continued to hone his formula. On this his major label debut he scores big with tunes like "Who Stole My Monkey" and the ballad "No French, No More." Jimmy Buffett, with whom he toured after its release, is a guest star. --Robert Baird