BEAU JOCQUE & THE ZYDECO HI-ROLLERS
The Best Of (Rounder)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

---

From the time of his musical emergence in the early 90's to his untimely death in 1999, Beau Jocque (born Andrus Espre) redefined the sound of zydeco music and deserves as much responsibility as anyone for its explosion beyond it's bayou origins.

Beau Jocque came to the zydeco game late, picking up his father's accordion in his mid-thirties after an injury ended his career as a welder. At the end of a five year convalescence from spinal injury and paralysis, he had developed the chops he needed to form his first band, Anrus Espre & The Zydeco Straights. Over time, he redesigned his band and his sound, incorporating the rock, funk and blues elements that gave a new generation of dancers a new sense of enthusiasm for his expression of his Creole heritage.

Dancing is really what zydeco is all about, and this new installment in the Rounder Heritage series offers some of Beau and the Hi-Rollers hottest dance numbers, including a pair of previously unreleased live tracks. If you're new to the zydeco scene, this is a great introduction to one of the best ever. If you're already a devoted fan, this one has all your favorites and a couple you've never heard. Either way, it's one worth having.

Track List:

Give Him Cornbread * Boogie Chillun * Gonna Take You Downtown * Going To The Country * Tighten Up * Damballah * Slide And Dip It * Cisco Kid * Yesterday * Knockin' On Heaven's Door * Richard's Club * Just One Kiss * Do It All Night

© 2001 - Shaun Dale