[John Romano]'s dedication symbolizes the Strangers' loyally to Cajun traditions. While they've dabbled in other styles (including Creole and zydeco, which emerged from Louisiana's black communities), the' Strangers remain proudly purist. They base their repertoire around blues, waltzes and two-steps, sung in French or the French/English blend of Louisiana's ethnic gumbo. Although they admit that their devotion to tradition may limit their appeal, the Strangers now have a steady local following.

The recording was an important milestone, but greater breakthroughs followed. The first major step came when Swallow Records - based in Ville Platte, La. - agreed to release their debut Beyond its geographic credibility, Swallow's pedigree is nearly unmatched: Romano describes the label as having recorded a "who's who of Cajun musicians." Subsequently, Valse a Deux Temps won 2007's Prix Dehors de Nous award, given by the Cajun French Music Association (CFMA) to the best album recorded outside of Louisiana.

Musical recordings
Traditions
Bands