Some Favourite Zydeco

Introduction

A few people will ask "What Is Zydeco?". Today I was listening to some Mama Rosin and thought maybe I should throw together a playlist so that people can sample it.

Zydeco is a music genre that was created in rural Southwest Louisiana by Afro-Americans of Creole heritage. It blends blues and rhythm and blues with music indigenous to the Louisiana Creoles, such as la la and juré. Musicians use the French accordion and a Creole washboard instrument called the frottoir.

As well as those instruments, fiddles feature heavily, as well as spoons, banjos and steel guitars and the language used includes, Creole, French, English and Franglish (or is it Franglais?)

While accordions may not be everyone's favourite instrument, zydeco makes it great to listen to.

Rusty and Doug Kershaw - "Louisiana Man"

This was probably the first Zydeco, though I didn't know it was Zydeco at the time, I just liked it. I don't know when I first heard it, but I was only four when it was first released.

Mama Rosin - "Où est passé e.C lenoir ?"

I saw this band at a festival on the Tyne about fifteen years back and bought the CD at the gig. I put this on today and it is one of the reasons why I put this playlist together for you.

Emilie Vidrine & Tee Franglais - "Ta Petite Robe Courte/Long Tall Sally"

This is a great piece of Zydeco I found researching this playlist, and includes a take on Little Richard's "Long Tall Sally". I challenge you not to enjoy this.

Buckwheat Zydeco - "Jambalaya"

A song that you will probably know, except this time it is sung in French, extremely enjoyable and a fun way to learn some of the language. I hope Vocal don't reject this because it is sung in French. 🐱😸

Les Haricots Sont Pas Salés - "Musique Cajun Louisiane USA"

I haven't a clue what the song is, but I found this very interesting snippet in the comments here:

I have a very old Cajun folklore record from the 1940s when Cajuns were forbidden from speaking their dialect. We realize that their original accent was identical to the West Indian accent of the Martinicans or Guadeloupeans. The Cajun accent that they have recreated since their language became official again, has been influenced by our modern French accent.

Cajun Country Revival - "You Won't Be Satisfied"

A live take and this is in English, and still rather very jolly.

Steve'n'Seagulls - "Thunderstruck"

Now I bet you weren't expecting this, AC/DC Zydeco style, and it is most excellent, although some may say it is more bluegrass, but is a brilliant listen.

Lost Bayou Ramblers - "Blue Moon Special"

Another wonderful song and performance and as someone says:

No matter how much America ignores Acadian culture, it still endures thru its people.

I really could listen to this all night and maybe even get up and dance. Also playing the fiddle and singing is no mean feat. I find it hard enough to play guitar and sing.

Lee Benoit & The Bayou Stompers - "Lacassine Special"

This is an absolutely beautiful and uplifting piece, As I searched out these videos, the comments on them are full of love, appreciation and positivity.

I love this comment on this performance:

Was stationed in Biloxi, MS from 69-70 (Hurricane Camille) and spent many weekends in New Orleans with a cajun friend. Learned one thing for sure, if this music doesn't get you up and moving, you are dead!!! Thank you Lee for bringing back great memories of a beautiful city and the world's most hospitable people. Keep playing forever.

Conclusion

I hope you have enjoyed this, though I will know you have if you get far enough to leave a comment.

Thank you so much for reading.