Sometimes referred to as the Zydeco music's Elvis, Clifton Chenier did more than anyone to develop and perfect the form. His cover of Professor Longhairs Hey Little Girl, renamed Ay Tete Fille, does bear more than a passing resemblance to Little Richard's Lucille but just goes to show that even an accordion can sound like a rock'n' roll instrument in the right hands. Famous for his flashy onstage gear of cape and crown, he almost single handedly introduced the world to the joys of Zydeco and was a true original. One day I will get to New Orleans and hear this blasting out of a jukebox at full volume and then throw some shapes on the dance floor, much to the undoubted bemusement of the punters in the bar...
Accordion Boogie
Always good to hear a bit of Zydeco.I saw Eddie Lejeune at The Tramway but it never really took off as a show unfortunately
ReplyDeleteThat's a pity, was that down to the venue?
DeleteProbably more the audience
DeleteCracking tune, Scott, obviously some great accordion-ship going on. I might have to check out this Clifton Chenier a bit more
ReplyDeleteThink you would like him George, surprised he's never featured on Jim McLean's Rabbit before now...
ReplyDeleteMake sure you have someone capturing the moment on film, if you ever make it to New Orleans to bust those moves!
ReplyDeleteIt wouldn't be a pretty site but evidence will be forthcoming if I ever get there...
DeleteI have a great Nick Lowe tribute album called Labour of Love. The highlight (for me, anyway) is Half a Boy and Half a Man by Clifton Chenier and Sleepy LaBeef. Chenier does Paul Carrack's original keyboard lead on the accordion. I'm pretty sure I have posted it before, but it was probably before your time. I'll pull that back out soon. It's worth a repeat.
ReplyDeleteSleepy LaBeef, now that is a great name Brian. Don't know the track, would love to hear it...
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