Clifton Chenier (1925-1987) was the undisputed King of Zydeco, who literally invented the genre. He took Louisiana's rural Creole music from the house dances to concert halls around the world. Join him here with over 60 minutes of Classic Zydeco. These songs span the couple years on either side of Chenier's big introduction into the blues world at the 1966 Berkeley Blues Festival in California. Immediately embraced by this audience, the Bay area label Arhoolie began recording him regularly. What's reassuring is how the intense and honest power of his Texas recordings was maintained in these new environs. Working with his core band (most notably his brother Cleveland Chenier on rub-board), the were a well-seasoned unit made strong from playing endless dances throughout the Bayou region. The album's title is a succinct bit of truth in advertising -- it is indeed a winning set of Blues and Zydeco. Besides being a wonder on the accordion, Chenier possess a voice equally at ease with bluesy balladry and boastful strutting. Originally released in 1965, re-issued on CD in 2005, 18 tracks, including:
01- Zydeco Sont Pas Sale
02- Lafayette Waltz
03- Louisiana Two Step
04- Clifton 's Waltz
05- Louisiana Blues
06- Why Did You Go Last Night
07- Eh Tite Fille
08- Banana Man
09- Hot Rod
10- It's Hard
11- I Can Look Down At Your Woman
12- I Can't Stand
13- Monifique
14- Johnny Can't Dance
15- I Lost My Baby (in French)
16- Pepper In My Shoe
17- Can't Go Home No More
18- Wrap It Up