Search - Clifton Chenier :: The Best of Clifton Chenier

Fantastic Collection!!!

Pete Flowers | Oakland, CA USA | 07/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A great introduction to the best singer/accordionist in the history of Zydeco, this collection features a mix of Chenier's classic Zydeco standards, like "Ay, ai, ai" and "Zydeco Sont Pas Sale" as well as some great blues numbers. One of the strengths of this title, as well as a weakness, is that longtime Chenier producer Chris Strachwitz set out to highlight Chenier's blues abilities, which are considerable. Chenier was an outstanding blues singer, but the price for the inclusion of each blues number is the exclusion of a Zydeco masterpiece (although the listener never feels shorted, as there is not a bad cut on the whole album). I suppose it is a six of one, half a dozen of the other, with the high level of blues actually adding another facet to the King of Zydeco (if the quality were any less, then I might complain, but as it is, it's really perfect). Overall, the album is outstanding: some of the best Zydeco music ever made, interspersed with top-notch blues and topped off with a fascinating interview, which, along with a previously unreleased version of "Zydeco Sont Pas Sale" make this interesting even to a long-time Clifton Chenier fan."

Great Collection of a Master

Derrick Peterman | San Jose, CA United States | 11/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I guess I'm not qualified to evaluate whether this is the best collection of Chenier's work, but this is a great collection. I was surprised that Chenier is a pretty good blueman, but the Zydeco numbers are the best, and that's why most people want to listen to. I suppose alternating the blues with the zydeco balances the collection.The interview at the end of the CD starts to meander, but I was surprised to hear Chenier say he invented Zydeco mostly to distiguish himself from other musicians, rather than some compelling need to create a new musical form.There maybe a better collection out there, but this was good enough for me!"