How to Listen to Zydeco Music

Many people think of Zydeco as "Cajun" music. In fact, Zydeco developed from the music of Creoles, French speaking people of color who lived in southwestern Louisiana in the early 1900's. Cajun and Creole music were very similar at that time, but followed different influences.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Recognize Zydeco's similarity to the Blues. Zydeco music emphasizes syncopation, the repeated rhythm that doesn't emphasize the up or down beat. Traditionally sung in both English and French, most recent songs are in English. Many songs are arrangements or covers of R&B and blues tunes.
2. Know the prominent instruments in Zydeco are a modified rub-board known as a "frottoir" and the accordion. Other instruments featured are the electric guitar and bass, drums and sometimes a saxophone or other brass instrument.
3. Listen for an accordion, but remember it doesn't necessarily mean it's Zydeco. Both Zydeco and Cajun music feature an accordion, but Cajun music features fiddles. The absence of fiddles is a major distinction between traditional Cajun music and Zydeco.
4. Check local newspapers and magazines for bands coming to nearby cities. Listening to live Zydeco is the best way to experience the fullness of the music. There are many online resources, like the "Cajun Zydeco" website. Festivals take place all over the world. There's even a Zydeco cruise.
5. Find recorded music to listen to. The experience is not as intense, but it is a good alternative. You can listen online or there may be a station near where you live. Cajun Radio has a comprehensive list of traditional and online radio stations playing Zydeco music.
6. Explore the colorful and complex roots of Zydeco. Start with the Clifton Chenier and Boozoo Chavis, two of the forefathers of Zydeco. Another influential pioneer is Beau Jocque, credited with taking Zydeco into the modern era. Check out "Cajun Zydeco" to find out how to purchase CD's by these and other Zydeco artists.
7. Remember that Zydeco is music you really feel, and you'll probably find yourself up and dancing a little two-step while you're listening.

Tips & Warnings

• Creole music incorporated more R&B, and evolved into Zydeco. Its popularity has spread to mainstream audiences, leading to the addition of a Zydeco-Cajun Grammy award category.