"A little jazz, a little blues, a little French and a little rhythm and blues, all mixed together."-- Rockin' Dopsie.

The name Zydeco is a Louisiana phonetization from "Les haricots" as popularized in the song "Les haricots ne sont pas sale" or "The snap beans are not salty". Snap beans conjure up the basic funkiness of the sounds of Zydeco a rich and lively stew which instantly fills dance floors. Specific to one place, Southwestern Louisiana, Zydeco emanates from the Creole culture and from an earlier music form called "La-la" which combined the accordian-fiddle-washboard in comparably less melodic arrangements.

Clifton Chenier (1925-1987), the undisputed king of Zydeco, recorded over 100 albums beginning on Specialty in 1955. Other luminaries include predecessor Amadee Ardoin, Boozoo Chavis, Rockin' Dopsie, Buckwheat Zydeco, Zachary Richard, Nathan and The Zydeco Cha Chas, and Beau Jocque. A thriving, vibrant force of world music with a location in America.

1. Clifton Chenier-- Zydeco Dynamite: The Clifton Chenier Anthology (Rhino)

Beginning with fifties singles and running up to 1984, this two disc set captures a fine representation of Chenier's voluminous output. Chenier, a Zydeco pioneer who also favored intense R&B workouts paved the way for all performers of Zydeco with his hot accordian attack.

2. Buckwheat Zydeco-- On a Night Like This (Island)

A member of Chenier's late 70's bands, Buckwheat became the anomolous international major label zydeco star in his own right opening for Eric Clapton on late 80's dates. Buckwheat mixes R&B and Rock into his exuberant foot shuffling party music.

3. Beau Jocque & The Zydeco Hi-Rollers-- Git it, Beau Jocque! (Rounder)

The heavy beat of Chenier is transformed in the hands of Beau Jocque, a big guy with a big sound. Perhaps the Zydeco performer who could cross over to a rock or rap market most easily with a tight rhythm section and commanding style reminiscent of blues great Howlin' Wolf. Beau Jocque has got it. For proof listen to "Give Him Cornbread."

4. Various-- Let's Go Zydeco (Ace/Arhoolie)

A one-stop primer on Zydeco by the experts John Delfose, Lawrence Black Ardoin, Lightning Hopkins and Clifton Chenier. Wait a minute Lightning? Yes on organ doin Zydeco for a little while. Check out this clip of Leo Thomas & Preston Frank's Swallow Band doing a cooking version of "Shake What You Got."

5. Lynn August-- Sauce Piquante (Rounder)

New Orleans R&B combines with the French Creole influence in Lynn August's diverse repertoire. August's soulful vocals and fine interpretations of songs such as slow blues "Lead Me On" and gospel strength "Jures" typify a key Louisiana performer who has yet to receive his due. Excellent sidemen include Snooks Eaglin on guitar.

6. Geno Delafose-- French Rockin' Boogie (Rounder)

Geno Delafose now 24 is heading a new guard of Zydeco. Delafose began playing at age 7, and carries the accordian with a buoyant flair which brings this dance music to a new level of irresistability. Songs like "je ne apprecie pas ca" imbue the light festive atmosphere with a firm grounding in the roots of the genre, allowing us to look forward to many more Delafose performances to come.

7. Clifton Chenier-- Live! (Arhoolie)

A great package which contains concerts from Long Beach Blues Festival in 1983 and San Francisco Blues Festival from 1982. 74 minutes of mastery from Chenier, a great sampling of his live shows. The king on "They Call Me Crazy."

8. Nathan & Zydeco Cha Chas-- Creole Crossroads (Rounder)

"I'm a Zydeco hog" proclaims Nathan Williams who lead his band with a up front accordian attack only matched by Beau Jocque at rocking the entire house. When I saw him at the Rock and Bowl on Carrolton in New Orleans I thought the floor was going to give way.

9. Zachary Richard-- Zack's Bon Ton (Rounder)

Lafayette born Richard combines Sixties pop influence into the Zydeco bag of tricks, along with a smattering of Afro-Carribbean rhythms. Never better than on this his debut release.

10. Boozoo Chavis-- Live at the Habibi Temple (Rounder)

Another album called The Lake Charles Atomic Bomb says it all. Going back to 1955 for "Paper in My Shoe" and bringing you up to date in 1993, Boozoo is "getting down with the get down."