Creole Zydeco Farmers, My Big Foot Woman (Sound of New Orleans)


Fifteen years after their seed had been planted, the Creole Zydeco Farmers continue to burrow deep within the furrows of zydeco with an unquestionable devout passion. The outcropping of Fernest and the Thunders have remained true to their old school roots in the spirit of Rockin’ Dopsie, Marcel Dugas and Hiram Sampy while never feeling the need to modernize their music. They rev their uncomplicated music at a slower strut, yet in their own right, they’re hard to beat when it comes to pure rollicking joviality. At the time of this recording (Morris Francis has since departed), they were a two-barrel accordion band, alternating between Warren Prejean and Francis who shines on “We didn’t forget about you Cliff,” a Clifton Chenier tribute, “Let it Run” and two versions of “Hound Dog.” Of all these, Morris’ best output is “You Just Can’t Keep Still,” a swinging glider and a dancer’s delight. Old soul crooner Prejean answers the challenge on “CC Rider,” “Zydeco Lady” and the bluesy title song. Guitarist “Black” Rossyion belts out plenty of gutbucket solos; drummer “Jockey” Etienne still reigns as the king of the zydeco drummers and nothing here ever misses a click.