Zydeco Sont Pas Sale (CD - 1997)

Recorded between 1964 & 1983. Includes liner notes by Chris Strachwitz.

Personnel: Clifton Chenier (vocals, accordion); Morris Chenier (fiddle).

Liner Note Author: Chris Strachwitz.

Recording information: 1964-1983.

Editor: Chris Strachwitz.

Photographer: Elizabeth Weil.

Unknown Contributor Role: Red Hot Louisiana Band.

This set collects songs from Clifton Chenier's seven other albums on the Arhoolie label. They date from 1964 to the 1980s (Chenier died in 1987). All of the 15 selections are sung in his first language, Louisiana Creole French, and he's accompanied by his Red Hot Louisiana Band. This set gives ample justification for his title: the King Of Zydeco.

Chenier's accordion and vocals are full of wit and warmth. He can dazzle with joy and he can move with blues-filled passion. A few tracks are live, and all capture the essential interplay of the ensemble. Their subtle rhythmic layering is hypnotic and famously danceable. The band personnel varied throughout the years, but one mainstay was his brother Cleveland Chenier on rubboard. ZYDECO SONT PAS SALE is an excellent introduction to the music of Clifton Chenier. minimize