When you hear the music, it may evoke a feeling of hard times. That is not surprising as its origins can be found in the rural, economically marginalized individuals who found a way to express and to escape the hardships of life.
You can be excused if you thought we were talking about the blues. No, we are talking about zydeco, which shares a common origin story with the blues. And like the blues, zydeco is ever growing, ever changing. Incorporating elements of funk, contemporary R&B, hip hop and sometimes reggae elements to their music
Jeffery Broussard and The Nighttime Syndicate is part of the nouveau zydeco movement. Broussard, son of zydeco legend Delton Broussard, has been pushing the limits of zydeco for over thirty years. With Zydeco Force he incorporated the soulful sounds of R&B into contemporary zydeco music and dance. The band released seven acclaimed albums from 1990 to 2004. Then in 2005, he embarked on a new chapter, forming Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys. This marked his return to the roots of Creole music, blending traditional zydeco styles with a contemporary twist.
Now, Broussard And The Nighttime Syndicate will be releasing their debut album, Bayou Moonlight, incorporating more elements into the mix that is nouveau zydeco. From the opening strains of the rhythm and blues flavored “Whatever” to the somber, church organ infused closing notes of “Falling In Love With Jesus” is at once different and familiar.
Yet, if Bayou Moonlight is not exactly his daddy’s zydeco it is definitely respectful of what has come before. “Madeline” is a Cajun standard once played to great enjoyment by Delton Broussard and Lawtell Playboys. Originally written and recorded by Adam Hebert in the 1960s, Jeffery Broussard’s pleading with Madeline is as earnest as Chuck Berry’s with “Maybelline.”
Guest artist Anna Moss accompanies Broussard and the Syndicate on Rosie Ledet’s “Hello Baby,” an uplifting, heart-warming tune that dares you to not tap your toe or hum along. Broussard gives a rather soulful treatment to Rockin’ Sidney’s 1961 song “No Good Woman,” another Zydeco favorite.
One of the most interesting tracks is the Zydeco treatment of Sam Cooke’s Civil Rights anthem “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Broussard’s rendition is nearly as plaintive, poignant, and emotional as Cooke’s original.
Bayou Moonlight is being released by Fairgrounds Records on May 23 and will be available on 12” LP vinyl, digital download, and streaming platforms. The album was produced by Romain Beauxis at Marigny Studio in New Orleans, recorded by Mack Major and mixed by Chris Butcher. Along with Jeffery Broussard, the Nighttime Syndicate are Gary Francois on rubboard, the horn section of Edward Jackson, Paul Chéenne, and David McKissick, Hannah David on drums, Spike Perkins on bass, and producer Beauxis on guitar.
