C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band
Alligator Records
I had never seen Clifton Chenier play live. Considered the Bob Marley of Zydeco, Chenier introduced this spicy Louisiana music to the world. He was celebrated as the King of Zydeco. When he passed in 1987, his son C.J. picked up his father's accordion and was ushered into Zydeco royalty.
Whoa!!! Just what is Zydeco?
There are several stories on the origins of the word Zydeco. Here's the best one I've heard. A radio DJ in Houston, Texas heard a Zydeco band from SW Louisiana and asked a member what kind of music they played. The band member, who spoke only French and was eating a bowl of snap beans at the time, misunderstood the question. He thought he was being asked what he was eating, and in Louisiana, snap beans are called "zydecos". Satisfied with the answer, the DJ went on to promote "zydeco" music on the air. A genre was born.
Zydeco is poppin' dance music and C.J.'s got you covered with Everybody Needs A Little Monkey Business. This classic double-kick rhythm guarantees a full dance floor. Coochie Coo Wi'Chou gets the nod as the CD's snappiest cut. You'll be dancing AND smiling. Zydeghost is a spookier version of this groove. Chenier gets it swingin' too with It's About Time and the autobiographical Road Dog. His accordion spews spicy smoke on Zydeco Mardi Gras.
Chenier hits a couple sweet spots on this, his third Alligator release. The Right To Walk Away and Let's Agree To Disagree will draw your baby close. Power of Love is the least Zydeco-ish but features some great vocal work by Chenier.
