After saying good-bye to Bayeaux and jumping off Knight Train, Bernie Alan landed in his best band yet with a moniker he won’t forget anytime soon. It also helps to have ex-Knight Train guitarist Danny White, and well-traveled blues bassist Burton Gaar who were responsible for writing this baker’s dozen worth of originals. Though Alan pumps some fairly peppy zydecajun accordion licks, his presence is best felt as a crooning frontman. He steps into every song he sings, which is particularly evident on the belly-rubbing ballads.

After kicking off with a couple of firecracker tunes, the first eight tracks offer the most variety in terms of styles and tempos. One tune, an English-sung Cajun-like waltz, defines the essence of Alan with references to frogging, mind-messing women and blowing money on good times. The last five tracks are slow ballads and even with Alan’s tender treatment, need another rocker to balance things out.

Yet, just because there’s a squeezebox in the line-up doesn’t mean that they’re cashing in on swamp pop and zydeco. Overall, the proceedings have more of a central Louisiana country feel, which is fine because it works for them. May this band’s ride be long.