Jeffery Broussard & the Nighttime Syndicate – Bayou Moonlight
This music, like bluegrass, is a diversified genre. Loaded with melody & thrust. I was introduced years ago to this dynamism through Buckwheat Zydeco & Clifton Chenier. It’s comfortable to hear the music still being played by skillful performers like Louisiana’s Jeffery Broussard (accordion/lead vocals) & the TBC Brass Band. The ingredients are all there for genuine Zydeco, creole, Cajun, with dashes of soulfulness & masterful rhythm flourishes.
There are 13 rollicking, foot-stomping, finger-snapping tunes that penetrate the Bayou Moonlight (Drops May 23/Fairground Records/51:44) produced by Romain Beauxis (guitar) in New Orleans. The music itself has had momentary slices through the Top 50 through the decades (“Israelites” by Desmond Dekker, “My Boy Lollipop” by Millie Small, “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash & others).
But, Broussard, without being as political as reggae artists, seems to take his Zydeco into a more serious path yet, maintains a danceable attraction “It’s Alright,” (with its mindful detours into Brenton Wood’s “But It’s Alright”) & “Richest Man” display glorious music that doesn’t forsake the Delta soulfulness.
The vocals are impeccable & the horns are rich in tone. Nice blasts on sax that aren’t Chicago but swampy. On “Richest Man,” Broussard’s vocals are smooth like the late Jerry Butler. There’s a fluency to each track & it continues with the ear-tugging intro on “Aww Baby” that’s as brass chilling as Arthur Conley’s “Sweet Soul Music,” & the Bar-Kays’ “Soul Finger.” Remember those? This has a reggae foundation, but it’s the New Orleans accordion swish that captivates.
The band cooks like a big pot of jambalaya & it sounds like the musicians are having fun. They probably are. And a trumpet player like the late Satchmo — Louis Armstrong would probably join in from his bed.
At times there are shades of the energy & snaking trombone exhilaration of the band Ballin’ Jack (“Hold On”), especially on the Sam Cooke classic “A Change Is Gonna Come” & “Hello Baby.” Excellent throughout. The sound is quite pleasant. An impressive showcase. The inclusion of female vocals in spots & on “No Good Woman” specifically is delightful. Also, the barrelhouse-type piano, bright trumpet & sax blasts are colorful. All accentuated brilliantly. Good arrangement.
There’s plenty of Buckwheat Zydeco’s musical (“Ma Tit Fille”) sting throughout Mr. Broussard’s LP & that can only suggest Jeffery’s got the necessary traditional muscle.
Highlights – “It’s Alright,” “Richest Man,” “Aww Baby,” “Madeline,” “A Change Is Gonna Come,” “Hello Baby” & “No Good Woman.”
Musicians – Gary Francois (rubber board), JU9CEY (trombone), Paul Cheenne (sax), David McKissick (trumpet), Hannah Davis drums), Spike Perkins (bass), Zachary Wiggins (piano/organ) with Jamie Lynn Fontenot, K.C. Jones, Jelly Joseph, Anna Moss (vocals), Jose Maize, Josh Ratner (trombones) & Megan Dwyer (sax).
Color image courtesy of Howlin’ Wuelf Media. CD @ https://www.nighttime-syndicate.band/
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