Berard, influenced by the Cajun songs heard as a young child growing up in South Louisiana, began playing guitar at age eleven. As a student at Cecilia High School, his musical talents allowed him to become an active member of the school’s marching and concert bands in addition to performing as lead guitarist in a local rock band of whom he founded. After graduation, Berard founded The Basin Brothers Band, performing a repertoire of country, traditional and original Cajun French music at festivals, clubs, and workshops throughout the United States and in Europe. The Basin Brothers continuously perform and strive to promote and preserve Cajun culture and music.

Berard currently owns a recording studio in addition to a music publishing company - OPLAMAE Music/BMI. His work includes composition, production, recording and editing for television and film in addition to his continued involvement with The Basin Brothers.

Abridged discography

The Basin Brothers Band; "Let's Get Cajun"
The Basin Brothers Band; "Stayin Cajun"
The Basin Brothers Band; "Mulate's Presents: The Basin Brothers"
The Basin Brothers Band; "Dans La Louisiane"
The Basin Brothers Band; "Deaux Violons"
The Basin Brothers Band; "Fait a la Main"
"C'est Dans La Sang Cadjin"
"Al Berard and Errol Verret"
"Al Berard and Friends"

Credits/Projects

Grammy Nomination for “Best Traditional Folk Music” Recording, 1991
Produced the Grammy nominated album “Let’s Get Cajun” by The Basin Brothers Band; arranged, recorded, mixed, edited, and mastered.
Music composed used for numerous television series: The Sopranos, HBO; Northern Exposure, CBS; Double Jeopardy (film)
"Al Berard Teaches...Cajun Fiddle Basics" DVD, 2002

Awards

Grammy Nominated Finalist; Best Traditional Folk Music" for "Let's Get Cajun", The Basin Brothers Band, 1991
The Times Music Award; "Best Country/Swamp Pop Guitarist", 1989
The Times Music Award; "Best Country Guitarist", 1990
Cajun French Music Association; "Best Fiddle Recording" for "The Grand Anse Fiddle Song", 1992
Cajun French Music Association; "Best Fiddler" Nomination, 2003
Cajun French Music Association; "Best Recording" Nomination for "Deaux Violons", The Basin Brothers Band, 2003
Cajun French Music Association; "Award of Excellence", 2004

Professional affiliations

BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers)
CFMA (Cajun French Music Association)