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Another Stretch of Great Music in SF Bay
(March
18, 2002) Yes indeedy. The last week or so has contained one amazing stretch of Cajun and zydeco music
in the Bay Area... one that probably
couldn't be duplicated in many places outside of Louisiana or Texas. For
example, on 4
consecutive days, I was able to attend multiple performances by Andre Thierry &
Zydeco Magic (at Eagle's in Alameda, Alvarado Gardens in Richmond, a church
dance in San Francisco), plus see Brian Jack & the Zydeco Gamblers (from Houston)
at Alameda and spend time at a lovely Cajun jam
at Ashkenaz.
It was really a treat to see Andre play with his new Zydeco Magic band here at home, which now includes Chuck Bush on bass guitar and Eric Minix (both of whom played & recorded with Beau Jocque), Steve Nash on rubboard (who played with Geno Delafose) and Mike Taylor on lead guitar. These guys have been playing together with Andre for several months in the Houston area, and they kick-ass, playing everything from old-school traditional zydeco to original Andre compositions. Andre and Chuck in particular have an on-stage chemistry and improvisational groove going that makes their sound unique and lets the music soar. Seeing Andre show any emotion on stage besides intensity is rare, but with these musicians supporting him, who can effortlessly follow whatever grooves he throws out, Andre actually grins and smiles and even throws in a few 'cool' moves. The band was having so much fun, during their San Francisco dance at the St. Finn Barr Church, they even brought a member of the audience on stage and gave her a rubboard lesson. This dance had a great community feeling to it, not to mention that fact that some of us grew particularly fond of the "great jello shots" brought around to the tables on trays by the hostesses at this dance. There are still a few more opportunities to see Andre with this band before they head back home... including a potluck at DeMarco's 23 Club this Sunday (March 24). Don't miss them.
Brian Jack is another impressive performer, who came back to the Bay Area for round 2, thanks of Louisiana Sue and Dana DeSimone and the excellent dance weekend they organized at Alameda Eagle's Hall. Brian is a mass of energy on stage, writes catchy songs with great hooks and puts on a fabulous show. He swings his accordions so forcefully, I wonder that they don't split in two. During the evening, I saw him play some real crowd-pleasers, including "Step Back -Give Me Some Room', "L'Argent", and from his latest CD, "Creole Lady". His musicians do an excellent job backing him up.
To top it off, the California Friends of Louisiana French Music had their monthly jam session at Ashkenaz on Sunday afternoon. Many local musicians showed up to lend their talents, including Andrew Carrier, Gerard Landry, Marty Jara, Maureen Karpan, David "Killer" Hymowitz, Blair Kilpatrick, Robert Richard and Dana Mandell. The atmosphere was casual and relaxed. The music was great. Additionally, the new dance floor at this popular venue is quite beautiful.
LeFleur-Basile Cajun Band at Ashkenaz
(March 29, 2002) LeFleur et Basile continued the run of authentic Louisiana Cajun bands playing Ashkenaz in the Bay Area. They presented an fine, energetic evening of traditional Cajun music, performed with top-notch musicianship and great enthusiasm. These guys just look like they love to be up on stage making music and their joy is out there for all to see.
LeFleuur et Basile is a spin-off of Mamou, an immensely popular Cajun/rock band founded by Steve LaFleur in the mid-80's. Along with Lafleur on guitar and vocals, the band includes accordion player Mark de Basile and fiddler Jonno Frishberg. During the evening, they played fine versions of the Bebe Carriere's challenging fiddle tune, "Blue Runner", the lovely Michael Doucet waltz, "Chez Seychelles", John Delafose's "Quo' Faire" & a fierce rendition of the traditional Mardi Gras song, as well as several original compositions.
Ashkenaz continues to earn my gratitude by hosting top-notch Louisiana-based Cajun bands. With its new floor and sound system, this dance club is a great place to showcase such talented musicians.
