Zydeco

Zydeco / Cajun Accordion Zydeco is a syncopated dance music played by Creole French speaking people of African descent who historically lived on the prairies of Southwest Louisiana. At its core it is the sound of an accordion paired with the scrapping of a rubboard.

Cajun and Creole people have lived and worked side by side for generations. They have shared and traded many aspects of their cultures including music. Some Zydeco songs are played by Cajun bands and some Cajun songs are played by Zydeco groups, but they are two different types of music. One major difference is that you'll find fiddles and steel guitars in Cajun groups, but not in Zydeco bands

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Zydeco Dynamite: The Clifton Chenier AnthologyThe Clifton Chenier Anthology
The most comprehensive way to get to know the late "King of Zydeco," this beautifully packaged and annotated 2 CD set contains cuts spanning accordionist Chenier's entire career as the best known performer and chief innovator of the Gulf Coast's most danceable, infectious music. Beginning with a rare early cut he recorded at a radio station in Lake Charles, Louisiana, this set's 40 tracks cover his years on Specialty, Zynn, Arhoolie, Maison de Soul, and several other smaller labels, veering back and forth between hard rockin' R&B influenced material and more traditional two-steps and waltzes. Most of the great Chenier-penned classics like "Zydeco Cha Cha," "Hot Rod," "Hot Tamale Baby" and "Johnny Can't Dance" are here. Overall, an excellent picture of Chenier's towering talents. --Robert Baird

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