When you think of the king of zydeco, you naturally think of Clifton Chenier. But there’s only one name that can be associated with zydeco today. This man worked all his life to bring zydeco to the forefront of
American music. His fusion of French Cajun with American blues and rock has created a sound heard not only on the radio but also on TV commercials and film soundtracks. The current king of Zydeco is Stanley Dural, Jr, a.k.a. Buckwheat Zydeco.
During his twenty years of recording music, Buckwheat has been on many labels including Island Records. Some of those labels have released compilation or ‘Best Of’ CDs, but The Buckwheat Zydeco Story is the definitive greatest hits. This collection of fifteen songs were compiled by Buckwheat himself from five different record companies and released on his own label, Tomorrow Recordings. The package includes 74 minutes of music and a colorful sixteen-page booklet giving Buckwheat’s life story and successes. The only thing missing from the CD is the early recordings of Buckwheat and his band ‘Ils Sont Partis’.
The release truly is a party CD. You can throw it in the player and forget about it as the bright, upbeat tempos entertain your guests for you. You can ensure spontaneous dancing and infectious joy through out the evening.
The CD opens with 'Zydeco Boogaloo', a rousing instrumental that gets the blood flowing and the feet jumping. The high-energy songs continue with 'Turning Point'. 'Lache Pas La Patate' features a little ska/punk sound. 'Ma ‘Tit Fille' and 'Hot Tamale Baby' prominently showcase how rhythm can be achieved with accordion and spoons instead of blaring electric guitars and booming bass lines. The tempo slows down for 'Make a Change' giving everyone a chance to catch their breath before the surprises.
Although the songs are not in chronological order, the first six songs demonstrate how blues was a major influence in the development of zydeco music. On the rest of the CD, Buckwheat shows how rock fits in to zydeco today. 'Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad' is not just an Eric Clapton cover, ‘Slowhand’ himself plays and sings alongside Buckwheat in this Cajun version. Other covers include The Rolling Stones’ 'Beast of Burden', the traditional 'The Midnight Special' and the classic 'Hey Joe'. Zydeco a la Jimi Hendrix? You bet. And with accordion! The CD continues with upbeat blues and 'Hey Baby' closes the album with a live recording.
A lifetime of Zydeco expressed as fifteen songs. A CD is not really the right way to feel the exuberance of Zydeco. Only a live performance can capture that. But until Buckwheat Zydeco begins playing in people’s living rooms, this will just have to do.

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