Saturday, September 24, 2016

Buckwheat Zydeco

Accordionist and zydeco music legend -- via the Advertiser. AKA Stanley Dural, Jr. He was from Lafayette, and started out backing the immortal Clifton Chenier. A major crossover artist and popularizer of Southern ethnic music, he collaborated with lots of other artists. Sometimes thought of as a flash player with an overfondness for covers, his playing was very responsive and he created a deep emorional connection with his singing as well. He loved to play, and it feels like he loved life, and it came through. Some of his best-known tunes: "Zydeco Boogaloo," "Where There's Smoke There's Fire," "Think It Over One More Time," and his versions of "Beast of Burden," "Hot Tamale Baby," and many, many more. He gave me so many hours of pleasure, and will continue to do so. Thank you, sir!