in 1987, there are generations who may have only been introduced to his music last year with the Rolling Stones’ participation in a double A-side 7” single of“ Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” paired with the influential original“ Zydeco et Pas Salé.”“ Zydeco et Pas Salé” first appeared in 1965 on Chenier’ s full-length debut, Louisiana Blues and Zydeco. The title comes from a phrase that translates to“ snap beans and no salt,” referring to getting by on the bare minimum. Chenier’ s arrangement leans on his lively accordion and his brother Cleveland’ s rubboard, and the single helped name the burgeoning genre of zydeco. Chenier’ s impact also reached the pop mainstream decades ago through Paul Simon’ s landmark Graceland album. On the uptempo tribute“ That Was Your Mother,” Simon sings about“ standing in the shadow of Clifton Chenier, dancing the night away.” King of Louisiana Blues & Zydeco includes studio session standouts like“ Bon Ton Roulet” and live recordings of instrumental favorites like“ Louisiana Stomp” and“ Boppin’ the Rock” from the Arhoolie vault. The album also includes spirited performances of vocal numbers like“ Clifton’ s Blues.” During the swinging“ Ay-Tete Fee,” Chenier’ s rough-hewn voice sounds like a Creole take on Little Richard’ s high-energy delivery. The recording quality varies throughout the set depending on the source material, but it’ s well worth rolling with the variations to get this broad overview. An audience recording captures a live version of Jimmy Reed’ s rhythm and blues standard“ Baby What You Want Me to Do” that would also have sounded at home in Chuck Berry’ s rock‘ n’ roll repertoire. Chenier’ s rambunctious, reedy accordion leads the band throughout, propelled by rubboard and trading lines with other instruments, including saxophone, on fare like“ Rockin’ Accordion.”“ You Got Me Crying” is a 1981 live version of a song recorded for Chenier’ s Grammy-winning 1983 Alligator Records album, I’ m Here. Chenier introduces the song, saying he has recorded and performed around the world but is pleased to do so in his hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana. The loping blues number features back-to-back solos by Chenier’ s son C. J. on saxophone and the patriarch himself on accordion. The song appeared on Arhoolie’ s 2000 release Live! At Grant Street. The set closes with the bluesy stroll“ I’ m Coming Home( To See My Mother),” with Chenier’ s effervescent accordion accompanied by Elmore Nixon’ s Fats Domino-styled piano.
The good-time vibe rarely wavers, spread across 67 tracks totaling three hours and 45 minutes of music. A 160-page book provides context and welcome education
with photos, track-by-track notes, and essays by Louisiana music historians and next-generation practitioners, including C. J.
– Jeff Elbel
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BLOCKCHAIN COALITION Postmodern Distraction
( Blockchain Coalition)
Chicago heavy harmonic rockers Blockchain Coalition return with a gratifying and solid follow-up to their 2023 standout debut album, The New Normal, proving they have the chops to deliver another strong set of music after a three-year layoff. Born from the ashes of the beloved Veilside( along with Onyx and Aeth3r), the band immerses listeners in Matt Rhodes’ crunchy guitar hooks, Louis Paskalides’ soaring keyboards, anthemic tracks, and layered harmonies reminiscent of Bon Jovi and Fuel. Vocalist Tony Engel’ s alternating smooth and gruff baritone vocals avoid metal clichés with smart lyrics, especially on“ This Empty Chair," and album opener“ Get a Little Closer.” Bassist Bob Berg and drummer Ron Thomas show their chops on the Prog-ish“ Walk Away” and 80s-ish anthem“ Dreamin.” While many modern bands jump on trends, using Auto-Tune and falling back on well-worn formulas, Blockchain Coalition eschews it all for classic sounds on Postmodern Distraction.
Blockchain Coalition has no sophomore slump, checking all the boxes for fans of layered, anthemic rock. Appearing 10 / 9 at Q Bar, Darien.
– David Gedge
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16 illinoisentertainer. com october 2026