Terrance Simien &
The Zydeco Experience
JAM THE JAZZFEST
Tone-Cool 1171
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This disc is short, more of an appetizer than a full-course meal, even though that is true the music has the vitality that the performer always puts into it. That aside get ready to get up and dance with this very fine disc that might be the best disc that he has recorded, and it has the flavor and feel of "the Fest". When I first heard this performer he kept his groove solidly in the traditional Zydeco rhythms, not really varying it much at all except for the very occasionally slower tune to give the dancers a moment to catch their breath (after all Zydeco is Saturday night dance music). Terrance has a voice that can be as soulful and expressive as anyone in front of the microphone these days. Now he is letting that voice shine through on all manner of songs, but all rooted with that groove that he establishes and holds like few other artists recording today. Listen to where he takes that standard of the Neville's and about everyone else in New Orleans, IKO IKO/BROTHER JOHN/JAMBALAYA. He is coming out with a full-length disc later this year, and I for one cannot wait for it. The growth and risks taken are showing their heads their rewards with the new sounds and depths of his music. For you who have never seen a Terrance Simien show, do not miss it. He is one of the most dynamic and hard working (sorry James Brown) performers you are going to see. If you are one of those who can travel to the Jazz and Heritage Festival definitely do not miss his show. Towards the end of his show his daughter, Marcella (a budding percussion star in her own right), and various friends step up to help add even more energy (if possible?) to a show that can only be called maximum voltage.
Songs, times and writers
1. JAM THE JAZZ FEST -4:39 - Terrance Simien
2. IKO IKO/BROTHER JOHN/JAMBALAYA - 6:54 - J. Crawford, B. Hawkins, R. Hawkins, J. Johnson/ W. Green, T. Hall, A. Neville, C. Neville, C. Neville, J. Neville, A. Neville, R Poche/H. Williams
3. BABY STOP CRYING - 6:08 - Bob Dylan
4. MACQUE CHOUX - 3:19 - Terrance Simien, Danny Williams
5. MAY YOUR MUSIC LIVE ON - 4:43 - Terrance Simien
The Players
Terrance Simien - accordion, vocals
Danny Williams - keyboards, vocals
Dowell Davis - drums, vocals, percussion
Wayne Dalcourt - guitar
Harold Scott - bass
Ralph Fontenot - frottoir (rubboard)
MAY YOUR MUSIC LIVE ON
Terrance Simien - accordion, vocals, drum machine
Danny Williams - keyboards
David Lejeune - guitar
John Esprite - bass
BABY STOP CRYING
Terrance Simien - vocals
Art Neville - keyboards
Daryl Johnson - bass
Willie Green - drums
Amadee Castenell - saxophone
Suzanne Bonseigneur, Teresita Alsandor - background vocal
PRODUCED BY Terrance Simien