Search - Terrance Simien & Zydeco Experience :: Live Worldwide

Simien is indeed a Zydeco Master!

Brenda D. | south Louisiana, USA | 12/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Terrance Simien is a gifted musician, vocalist, and performer, and this live recording will infect the listener with true Louisiana joie de vie! If you can't come to Louisiana, Simien will bring Louisiana to you. After you hear this CD, you might just want to move down here "or at least "Dance everyday""! There are many bands throughout the country and the world who bill themselves as "Zydeco" or "Cajun" "there is a difference, by the way", but only the bayou-born and bred can deliver the real deal. Part of it is the rhythm of the music and all of its nuances part of it is the relationship between the music and the musician. This music is the blood, breath and rhythm of Louisiana life, and Simien and his band capture this intimacy and the enduring spirit of hope that we have in this great Zydeco offering, seasoned with musical influences from all over the world.



It's hard to choose a favorite cut, because I love 'em all: The poignant "Mississippi," the uptempo danceable tracks like "Dance Everyday" and the "Hey Pockey Way" medley. To me, the song with the most meaning is "You should know your way by now," which celebrates Louisiana Creole culture and identity: "our people have been here, for over 300 years, French, African, Spanish, Indian, and American. All colors in one that's who you are, son..." And about our "Laissez les bons temps rouler" attitude? "...we dance away the misery until we feel alright we're gonna dance until we see the light." You won't be able to keep from dancing when you hear this music, and it WILL lift your mood. Yes, I'm from Louisiana. The next time someone from somewhere else asks me why I stay, I won't try and describe the powerful sense of place, of home, of hope, and joie de vie. I'll just hand them this CD and say, "listen." Only problem is, they won't want to give it back to me!"