EVERYBODY’S DANCIN’

GENO DELAFOSE AND FRENCH ROCKIN’ BOOGIE

Times Square Records - 2003

A Review By – Paule Pachter, August 6, 2003

It’s almost unimaginable that it has been nearly five years since Geno Delafose has released a new album. Within the span of five years many zydeco artists have come and gone. However, the extremely popular “Creole Cowboy” has spent the past five years doing what he does best, touring the world performing, taking care of his horses, and calculating his next move with regard to recording, producing and distributing a new album. Underneath the broad smile and wide brimmed cowboy hat rests a very savvy businessman. So, is Geno Delafose’s new release, “Everybody’s Dancin” worth the wait? If you’re a die-hard zydeco fan the answer is most definitely.

“Everybody’s Dancin” is one of the most lively and energetic projects released in 2003. The CD captures all of the excitement of seeing and hearing Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie live. The CD produced by Delafose and his visionary agent, David Gaar, is a vehicle that allows Delafose the ability to experiment and expand musically. Much of the material featured on the CD is performed with Geno’s unmistakable flare for the Creole-zydeco style. For traditionalists, there are several tracks that are extremely pleasing, including “Zydeco With Geno,” “Le Bluerunner,” “He-Haw Breakdown,” and “Gotta Find A Woman.” Three tracks: “What A Wonderful World;” “What Do You Want With His Love;” and “Can I Change My Mind” clearly find Delafose pushing the envelop toward a more commercial sound. Then there’s a trio of killers, including the title track, “Port Arthur Blues” and his rendition of “(Tit Galop Por) La Pointe Aux Pins)” that simply cook.

The other reasons why “Everybody’s Dancin” turned out well is that Delafose knows how to choose his musicians to back up his accordion, keyboard and vocal expertise. The members of French Rockin’ Boogie features some of the same talented artists that travel the zydeco road with Geno: John Popp Esprite (bass, background vocals); Wilfred Caveman Pierre (rubboard); Jude Curley Taylor, Jr. (drums, background vocals); and Lee Tedrow (guitars, background vocals). The other reason the CD works well is the superior engineering skills of Tony Daigle. Any project Daigle is associated with guarantees the listener quality.

“Everybody’s Dancin” is guaranteed to keep you up on your feet and lift your zydeco spirits. You can purchase this four-pepper CD online at: www.floydsrecordshop.com