Boozoo Chavis Zydeco Homebrew

Personnel: Wilson "Boozoo" Chavis (vocals, accordion); Nathan Fontenot (guitar); Classie Ballou, Jr. (bass); Rellis Chavis (drums); Anthony Chavis (rubboard, background vocals).

Includes liner notes by Jeff Hannusch.

Personnel: Boozoo Chavis (vocals, accordion); Wilson Chavis, Jr. (vocals, accordion); Nathaniel Fontenot (guitar); Rellis Chavis (drums); Anthony Chavis (washboard).

Liner Note Author: Jeff Hannusch.

This is another fine set from Boozoo Chavis, one that was released as he was regularly performing in the '80s. Chavis was one of the principal architects of zydeco music, and the selections on this set breathe with an authentic naturalism. His sound differs from that of other accordionists in his use of the single-note, diatonic model of instrument (many players favor the modern variant, with its piano-like keys). The sound of the instrument is like that of a harmonica, especially because the bellows movement mirrors the act of human breathing.

ZYDECO HOMEBREW is rich and deep music that doesn't seem the slightest bit dated. Chavis's singing is resonant and honest, and the four-piece band accompanying him never lets up. It's no surprise that Chavis is a regular on the dance hall circuit in his native southern Louisiana--this music is designed to make you move!