Clifton Chenier - Frenchin' the Boogie

Clifton Chenier, the king of zydeco, is heard in prime form on this reissue from 1976. Since Chenier's first language was French and some of his top fans were from France, many of the selections on this set have his French lyrics to familiar songs. It is quite interesting hearing such numbers as "Let the Good Times Roll," "I've Got a Woman," and "Everyday I Have the Blues" sung in French. Chenier's band, which used a few substitutes for this studio set, is top-notch with the pianist-organist being Stanley Durell, Jr., the future "Buckwheat Zydeco." The music has plenty of blues, rock & roll feeling, and the passion of R&B, all mixed together to form zydeco. While many of the selections are fairly brief, each number features a solid groove and plenty of spirit. Recommended. ~ AllMusicGuide