Chris Ardoin and Double Clutchin'
TURN THE PAGE
Rounder 2157
available CD Universe
This is one startling disc from this youngster, he is not even old enough to vote. It is arguably the best Zydeco disc I have heard this year, and certainly one of the most refreshing discs to cross my desk in awhile. It is fresh and novel in its approach, idiosyncratic in its flavorings, and pays enough attention to tradition to stay on the track. Frankly, from the opening notes of their reworked and stunning version of YOUR LOVE KEEPS LIFTING ME (HIGHER AND HIGHER), the disc goes forward to constant new heights in whatever direction they decide to take it in. This is the cutting edge of new age Zydeco, lets call it a Zydeco affiliation. It is a melding of that Zydeco groove laid down and established by Clifton Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band (remember that his sound was a melding of Cajun/Creole music and the blues ) with soul, R & B, and even a bit of Reggae and hip-hop. This disc has it all, including some very beautiful harmony vocals between Chris and his brother, Sean. It constantly stays fresh and does not implode in upon itself, yet all the time keeps up that relentless Zydeco groove. It is a disc that will have you constantly moving about the house in time, and probably going to the amp and turning it up just a little bit louder, and again just another notch higher as your body is in time with the groove laid down. In fact doing housework with this disc on (by the way it is never in the background as it lays itself out in the front of your brain to be recognized) makes the chores go by in a faster and more pleasant way. The disc hums along treading that fine line of keeping in that Zydeco beat and yet with enough variation to keep you alive, listening and very interested. I mentioned the beautiful vocals and I want to step back there for a moment because they truly deserve a second mention. There is a harmony created by siblings that have sung together all their lives that as a general rule can't be matched by non siblings and these brothers have it. Perfect phrasing and complimenting of each others voices, with a fire and energy generally found in the gospel church. The sound mix here only helps the disc. Scott Billington again displays an exceedingly deft touch as the producer of this disc. He doesn't have a distinctive signature sound as does Daniel Lanois but rather serves as a catalyst and brings out the best each band has to offer on the discs he produces. It is a clear sound that is in no way sterile. And then there is the band that is allowed to come to the forefront without ever intruding. They are a tight and mobile unit that deserves a special pat on the back.
There are too many outstanding cuts to single one or two out, though when I first got the disc I was just knocked out by their version of opening song as I have mentioned. One other important note here is that Chris and Sean are the authors of all but 2 of the 17 songs. This is going to be a benchmark for new Zydeco discs.
Songs and Times - all songs written by Chris and Sean Ardoin unless noted
- YOUR LOVE KEEPS LIFTING ME (HIGHER AND HIGHER) - 4:27 - C. Smith-G. Jackson- R. Miner
- TALK TALK - 4:52
- ACTING THE DEVIL - 2:51
- TURN THE PAGE - 4:04
- GIVE IT UP - 3:00
- STAY IN OR STAY OUR - PASS THE DUTCHIE - 3:53 - Chris and Sear Ardoin/ Mittoo-Brown-Bennett-Ferguson-Simpson-Lyn-Sibbles
- TIFFANY TWO STEP - 3:58
- I GOT MY NAME - 4:03
- FRIENDS AIN'T FOREVER - 4:12
- FEEL THE PAIN - 4:22
- BEFORE THE DEAL WAS DONE - 5:08
- MY BABY DONE GONE - 3:59
- BARRES DE LA PRISON - 3:50 - Canray Fontentot
- EARLY ONE MORNING - 4:17
- DOUBLE CLUTCHIN' OLD STYLE - 3:23
- FEVER FOR YOUR FLAVOR - 5:17
- OUTRO - 2:16
The Band
Chris Ardoin - diatonic and triple-row accordions, lead and harmony vocals, guitar on "TURN THE PAGE"
Sean Ardoin - drums, lead and harmony vocals
Tammy Ledet - rubboard and backing vocals
Derek "Dee" Greenwood - bass
Bobby Broussard - lead guitar
Nathaniel Fontenot - rhythm guitar
Produced by Scott Billington