Performers include: Buckwheat Zydeco, J Paul Jr., Clifton Chenier, Zydeco Blazers, Amede Ardoin, Zydeco Cha Chas, Nathan & The Beau Jocque, Canray Fontenot, John Delafose, Donna Angelle, Chris Ardoin, Zydeco Force, Curley Taylor, Keith Frank, Rockin Sidney, Zydeco Joe, Boozoo Chavis, Rosie Ledet and Geno Delafose.

Liner Note Author: Herman Fuselier.

Photographers: David Garr; Joseph A. Rosen.

Unknown Contributor Role: Phil Gould .

Arranger: Zydeco Force.

Having been some time since a successful dip into the Bayou with a Rough Guide covering Cajun music, the folks at Rough Guide now present an outstanding compilation of the other side of Bayou music: zydeco. As is the norm with these compilations, there's an interesting combination of the old and new, the classic and iconoclastic here. The album opens up with one of the greatest ambassadors of the genre, Beau Jocque. Within the span of a few more songs, the other greats of the last couple decades are presented: Boozoo Chavis, Clifton Chenier, Buckwheat Zydeco. The Delafose clan is represented, of course, as is an added treat of the Ardoin lineage. The great leader of the form (as well as Cajun music), Am‚d‚ Ardoin has a song represented here from the absolute beginning of the transition from the old French two-steps. His great-grandson Chris Ardoin takes a turn later in the album with a more contemporary sound as well. Rosie Ledet and Rockin' Sidney are also perennial crowd pleasers. With the sheer mass of talent present here, as well as representative songs from the various performers, this album makes a perfect place to take one's first steps into zydeco. Serious listeners and collectors may already have the various pieces present as they are primarily classics, but the compilation still makes for a nice addition. ~ Adam Greenberg