Funky Nation

L'il Brian & Zydeco Travelers | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 22, 2000)
• Original Release Date: February 22, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Tomorrow Recordings
• ASIN: B00004KD3G
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #421,110 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

From the first notes of the title track, it's obvious that Lil' Brian is a man with a mission--to bring da funk to zydeco. And that's nowhere near as strange as you might think; after all, the two share common musical roots. More to the point, Brian and his band (protégés of Buckwheat Zydeco) make it work very well. The vocoder refrain on "Get Up On That Zydeco" could almost have come from an old Roger and Zapp record, while "Summer Girl" has more melody than most modern R&B. There's also plenty of "true" zydeco to convince purists that this is more than a novelty, and that this band's East Texas roots run deep--just check "Uncle Cliff" or "Party" to hear them whipping it up. This is the real thing, but it's also more. What it does, essentially, is offer one possible way forward for zydeco, while still honoring the tradition. And that's a major deal. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funkin' it up, March 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Funky Nation (Audio CD)

Lil' Brian & the Zydeco Travelers are THE hottest band on the noveau zydeco circuit. Pat's totally hot guitar licks, EJ's heavily funk influenced bass lines, and Lil' Brian's vocals and powerful piano-key accordion all make for the most danceable music to come along in a long time. This is the band's third release, and it's certainly their best. As a bonus, they're also some of the nicest guys you could ever have the privilege of meeting. Buy this CD!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nouveau Zydeco, August 28, 2003

By 

trandall@tellurian. (newton, nj United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Funky Nation (Audio CD)

This cd is excellent. I have been a fan of Zydeco music for a number of years, but this recording is very good. I have seen this band several times and they are hot and do rock the house. They are a new wave type zydeco but can play classic style as well. I really feel they have not recieved the recognition they deserve. They are also like most Zydeco performers the nicest bunch of guys you could meet. I do recommend Funky nation as well as Fresh and Z Funk.