When Creole R&B meets Cajun, we end up with zydeco, still hanging around the accordion, but more likely to be heartily amplified, booted up by strong funk rhythms and makeshift rub boards scraped hard by thimbled fingers. This set acts as a thorough introduction, nodding to old time greats like Clifton Chenier, Queen Ida and the unstoppably trundling Boozoo Chavis, but also featuring hot young players like Geno Delafose and Chris Ardoin, both doing much to keep the scene vibrant. The accumulated weight of these cuts threatens to splinter the boards of the dance floor, but they have also been chosen for their hookline melodies. Rosie Ledet squeals with delight as her saxophonist purrs behind her on "You're No Good for Me", the gravel-voiced Beau Jocque trills out repeated accordion runs on "What You Gonna Do?", while Nathan & The Zydeco Cha-Chas opt for the slow-building soulful intensity of "I'm In Love". Ardoin's Double Clutchin' combo round things up with an infectious re-reading of the old ska gem "Pass The Dutchie", a number that rings pleasantly in the ears for some time afterwards. --Martin Longley
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