Search - Sean Ardoin & Zydekool :: Pullin

Call this the new zydeco. Sean Ardoin, who was a drummer in a band with his brother, has created something as funky as New Orleans's legendary Meters, as greasy as early '70s Rolling Stones, and fired by the spirit of the late Clifton Chenier. So, while he respects tradition (and leads from the front, with some excellent accordion and vocals), Ardoin--whose forebears include the seminal zydeco figure "Bois Sec" Ardoin--puts forth some mighty vocals and accordion playing, while electric guitar (with a strong Isley Brothers influence) and Bootsy Collins- style bass are equally prominent. It's no exaggeration to call this the zydeco release of 2001, as it takes the music to a place where it's down-home and feels perfectly comfortable, but to which it has never traveled before--quite a remarkable achievement for a debut. --Chris Nickson