Clifton Chenier Louisiana Blues & Zydeco CD

These dozen and a half songs span the couple years on either side of Chenier's big introduction into the blues world at the 1966 Berkeley Blues Festival in California. Immediately embraced by this audience, the Bay area label Arhoolie began recording him regularly. What's reassuring is how the intense and honest power of his Texas recordings was maintained in these new environs. Working with his core band (most notably his brother Cleveland Chenier on rub-board), the were a well-seasoned unit made strong from playing endless dances throughout the Bayou region. The album's title is a succinct bit of truth in advertising--it is indeed a winning set of blues and zydeco. Besides being a wonder on the accordion, Chenier possess a voice equally at ease with bluesy balladry and boastful strutting.

Re-mixed for the first time in Stereo!!!

Principally recorded in Houston, Texas in 1965.

Personnel: Clifton Chenier (vocals, harmonica, accordion); Cleveland Keyes (guitar); Elmore Nixon (piano); Fulton Antoine (bass guitar); Robert St. Judy, Madison Guidry (drums); Cleveland Chenier (rub-board).

Recording information: Gold Star Studio, Houston, Texas (05/11/1965).

Personnel: Clifton Chenier (vocals, accordion); Cleveland Keyes, Felix Benoit (guitar); Elmore Nixon (piano); Fulton Antoine, Joe Morris (bass); Bob Murphy, Madison Guidry, Robert St. Judy (drums); Cleveland Chenier (rubboard).

Down Beat (10/91, p.46) - 4 Stars - Very Good - "...explosive zydeco music...hot piano-accordion riffs...the essence of Clifton's magic comes through in his R&B numbers and straight blues with accordion chaser..."
Living Blues (pp.72-73) - "A landmark recording in the history of American vernacular music, LOUISIANA BLUES AND ZYDECO was such a success that it transformed the then-struggling Chenier into a genuine star..."