This
Rockin' Dopsie, Jr.
disc serves as a good introduction to what might now be called old-time
zydeco
. This
band veteran recorded a solid group of songs in his style and also some songs not associated with the genre, showing how to take a
standard
like
"How Sweet It Is"
and
it up. There is a closeness here that comes from family -- and that is particularly what this disc shows. This band was originally
Rockin' Dopsie Jr.
's father's band and contains two of his brothers,
Alton "Dopsie" Rubin Jr.
on drums and
Anthony "Dopsie" Rubin
on accordion. The rest of the band -- one of the best around -- is a solid unit anchored by the guitar work of
Paul "Lil' Buck" Sinegal
Alonzo Johnson
on bass. One problem with this disc is that it doesn't come near to capturing the electric vibrant energy that
emits on stage. He could be likened to
James Brown
as a bundle of dancing energy on the stage. The songs on this disc are too many of the
songs associated with
--
"Ay-Te Te Fee"
"I'm the Zydeco Man,"
both written by
Clifton Chenier
-- and his tunes that have become
standards
, such as
"Party Down"
"Lucille."
There isn't enough new material to wake the listener up. He does do a great job on the
Jessie Hill
classic
"Ooh Poo Pa Do."
But, still, it is good solid
and this band is tough to beat. ~ Bob Gottieb