More Fun with Rockin’ Dopsie and The Zydeco Twisters
Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and The Zydeco Twisters is a band that is known across the U.S. and Europe as a band that gives high-energy performances. That’s not surprising considering zydeco is part of the band’s name. It’s also not surprising when you hear the band’s energetic recordings of songs that are likely to get you moving even if you listen in the car.
What might be a little more surprising is that Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. is known as the James Brown of zydeco. This also makes sense considering the band’s penchant for covering classic soul songs like “Sex Machine” and “It’s Raining” across its previous albums.
On the new album, the band wastes no time showing why it is known for its energy. You don’t need to hear much of the opening track “Dopsie Zydeco” before you’re looking for your dancing shoes and a dance partner. It is a short song, but the tempo is enough to get your heart pumping as you show off your best dance moves.
If you’re looking for a break after that uptempo beginning, you won’t get it immediately. The opener is followed by the uptempo “Ooh Woo Woo (Please Don’t Leave Me”), which will keep you moving. After dancing to the first two songs, there is a distinct possibility that you will work up a sweat. Think of it as a cardio workout that you can do right in your living room.
While there are plenty of songs to get you moving, the album also includes some slower tempo songs like a cover of the R&B classic “You’ll Lose a Good Thing.” This isn’t too far removed from the version that you’re familiar with. One big change is the addition of the accordion, which gives some Louisiana flavor to a classic. Don’t be surprised to find yourself singing along with this one.
Another slower song is “I’m Coming Home” in which Dopsie sings about returning to where he belongs to see his mother. It may not get you two-stepping like a lot of zydeco songs, but it is touching song that you can slow dance to.
If you’re someone that only listens to the music of Louisiana around Mard Gras time, now would be a good time to re-evaluate that. More Fun with Rockin’ Dopsie and The Zydeco Twisters (ATO Records) is a fun celebration of Louisiana music, but it’s more than just zydeco. These songs also tap into a lot of soul sounds with organ and saxophone as well as some blues with healthy doses of harmonica. Regardless of the style, these are songs that are made for dancing whether you have a partner or not. One thing is certain. You don’t need to wait until Mardi Gras to enjoy this album. You can put it on the next time you have a rough day at work or anytime you need a mood boost. More Fun with Rockin’ Dopsie and The Zydeco Twisters is available everywhere now.
Score your copy here (https://www.rockindopsiejr.com).