Zydeco artist
C.J. Chenier is given to prefacing his songs with the statement, "Ain't nothin' but a party, ya'll!," and he ought to know, providing the auditory component for so many other people's good times. This CD illustrates the point. One dance tune after another gets the partygoers out on the dancefloor for songs that are fast and faster. Every once in a while a waltz is thrown in for a breather before the next kick-out tune begins.
Chenier, son of the legendary
King of Zydeco,
Clifton Chenier, is aided by his Red Hot Louisiana Band on this record. The CD marks one of the last times the distinctive rub boards of
the King's older brother, Cleveland Chenier, are heard before his death in 1990.
C.J. Chenier, who plays accordion and saxophone and provides vocals on the CD, leads the band through a repertoire of high-octane tunes. Some highlights include the title cut, "Blue Flame Blues," "Bow-Legged Woman," "I'll Be Long Gone," and a cover of
the King of Rock & Roll's "All Shook Up." The lively music put down by
C.J. Chenier and company makes a body want to kick off its shoes and dance. ~ Rose of Sharon Witmer