Record of the day: Clifton Chenier, “Bogalusa Boogie”

Clifton Chenier
“Bogalusa Boogie” (Arhoolie CD 347)

On this midsummer day it is a pleasure to dive into one of the most captivating musical genres that exist, Zydeco music. Developed in Louisiana, it is a true crossroads of different stylistic influences, combining blues, rock ‘n’ roll, folk, boogie, New Orleans r&b, waltz, polka, two-step and much more.
Electric guitars, saxophone and drums are combined with the accordion, while a fundamental part of the accompaniment is obtained with the Frottoir, a metal percussion instrument that is struck and rubbed with special sticks, very similar to the old washing board.

The undisputed King of Zydeco is singer and accordionist Clifton Chenier, who enjoyed great popularity in the United States and was the true incarnation of this musical genre. Zydeco, flavorful just like the Cajun cuisine born in the same region, is a very peppery compound capable of providing you with a hot burst of positive energy.
Chenier’s style manages to turn the accordion into a real orchestra, his group hammers out some very fast pieces
without giving up for a single second, and the leader’s voice has a feeling that has nothing to envy of James Brown and Ray Charles.
His concert performances remained legendary for their power, warmth and vivacity (a flamboyant and eccentric character, Chenier almost always flaunted a crown on his head on stage).

Clifton was perfectly aware of his talent since he signed with the famous Chess label in 1957, but they had failed to make the most of him. When Chenier began working with producer Chris
Strachwitz (owner of the Arhoolie label) realized he had met the person who could understand and support his talent; together they created a memorable discography, of which “Bogalosa Boogie” from 1975 represents, according to Strachwitz himself, the zenith.

Together with his excellent band, the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Chenier showed up to the studio in great spirits and in great shape and recorded the entire album in one day (all the songs were played only once with no retakes).
The excitement is tangible throughout the album’s fifty minutes and the thirteen tracks flow in a riot of joy.

Carlo Boccadoro, composer and conductor, was born in Macerata in 1963. He lives and works in Milan. He collaborates with soloists and orchestras in different parts of the world. He is the author of numerous books on musical subjects.

This text is taken from “Lunario della musica: Un disco per ogni giorno dell’anno” published by Einaudi, courtesy of the author and the publisher.