Release Date : May 23, 2025
Jeffery Broussard has been a mainstay in the Louisiana Zydeco scene for well over thirty years, playing in Zydeco Force, and later with the Creole Cowboys. His latest recording Bayou Moonlight is the first he has made with Nighttime Syndicate. The new configuration brings in members of TBC Brass Band from New Orleans and couples them with a swing-oriented rhythm section. They have a very cool approach to their music, flavoring their brand of Zydeco with subtle bits of Jazz, Ranchera, and Ska, and R&B. They really make the music pop. With frontman Broussard on accordion and lead vocals, the rest of the band consists of Gary Francois on washboard, a horn section featuring JU9CEY, Paul Chéene, and David McKissick, drummer Hanna Davis, bassist Spike Perkins, Zachary Wiggens on piano/organ, and producer Romain Beauxis on guitar.
The album commences with a fresh recording of “Whatever” from Zydeco Force & Lil Guyland’s 2005 album Louisiana Chicken Shack. It sets the mood quite nicely and conjures the spirit of good times. Keeping the positive flow going, they follow up next with “It’s Alright” featuring Jamie Lynn Fontenot (The Daiquiri Queens) and K.C. Jones (The Benzie Playboys) on vocals. This music quickly puts me in happy mode. I love their cover of Sam Cooke’s “Change is Gonna Come”. Hearing this ever so-poignant song delivered in New Orleans-fashion with Broussard singing in such a soulful and delicate way, really makes this a stand out performance. The keys and horns add a reverent touch to the track. “Madelin” is another which has a strong draw. The ska-soaked rhythm brings me to their wonder-filled world where the squeezebox and horns are best friends. It truly is a potpourri of sound. I adore their follow-up homage to Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home To Me” called “I’m Coming Home”. I can’t help but be swept away into that era of early Sixties R&B. Special guest Anna Moss brings her lovely voice to an exceptional horn-infused cover of Rosie Ledet’s (The Zydeco Playboys) “Hello Baby” from her 2001 album Show Me Something.
Bayou Midnight absolutely soothes my soul with every listen. It’s surely one of my favorite releases of the Summer.
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