Zydeco, Vol. 1: The Early Years 1949-62

Zydeco is a “unique musical and social gumbo found mainly along the Gulf Coast where Creoles have blended rural Louisiana African American French Creole traditions with Cajun music, rhythm and blues, a shot of rock n’ roll and a bunch of other juicy ingredients!” – Chris Strachwitz (liner notes)

This collection of live music was recorded in the taverns and dance houses of rural Louisiana and Texas in the 1950s and ʼ60s. Presented without frills, the songs are played on button accordion and the rubboard, or washboard. The vocals are mostly sung in French. Zydeco classics “Jole Blonde” and “Zydeco Sout Pas Sale” are included in this collection. Liner notes include a history of zydeco and information about the performers.

Track Listing

101	Allons à Lafayette McZiel and Gernger	03:07
102	Tap Dance McZiel and Gernger	01:16
103	French Waltz McZiel and Gernger	02:53
104	Rayne One Step / Zydeco Sont Pas Salé Sidney Babineaux	02:53
105	Zydeco Sont Pas Salé Albert Chevalier	03:46
106	Moman Couche' Albert Chevalier	01:22
107	Ma Petite Fille Albert Chevalier	03:30
108	Bernadette, Cher Albert Chevalier	03:58
109	You Havin' a Good Time George Alberts	03:40
110	King's Zydeco Peter King and Lester Herbert	02:51
111	Lafayette Zydeco Peter King and Lester Herbert	03:35
112	Jole Blonde Willie Green	05:56
113	Baby Please Don't Go Willie Green	03:17
114	Tell Me, Pretty Baby Willie Green	04:50
115	Announcement and Green's Zydeco Willie Green	04:41
116	They Call Me Good Rockin' Herbert Sam	03:36
117	Clifton's Blues Clifton Chenier	03:14
118	Louisiana Stomp Clifton Chenier	02:54
119	Bon Ton Roulet Clarence Garlow	03:04