Corey Ledet Zydeco & Black Magic’s Live In Alaska marks the 16th album from the Grammy-nominated accordion master. Out December 23 on CD, digital download, and streaming platforms, the project is both a celebration of his Louisiana Creole heritage and a document of his boundless live energy.
For more than three decades, Corey Ledet has embodied the phrase “have accordion, will travel.” From the dancehalls of Louisiana to stages across Europe, Hawaii, and even Russia—where fans marveled at his zydeco rubboard, calling it a “magic instrument”—Ledet has carried the spirit of Creole music wherever he goes. But until now, he had never captured that road-tested vitality on a live album.
“When the Anchorage Folk Festival came up, I said this might be a good opportunity,” recalls Ledet. “When I got there, they had all the equipment to record. I got to thinking about Clifton Chenier—some of his best live recordings were done away from home. It worked for the King of Zydeco. I said, ‘Let me try this.’”
The result is Live in Alaska, an electrifying 11-track record distilled from three days of performances. It showcases Ledet’s mastery on his new accordion, affectionately dubbed “Black Magic,” and highlights both his original material and fan favorites from his previous fifteen albums. Among the setlist is “Alaska Funk,” an impromptu jam created live on stage with his Louisiana bandmates. “It’s amazing when you have great musicians,” says Ledet. “You can almost create a song off the top of your head.”
Improvisation runs deep in Ledet’s bloodline. His musical family tree includes relatives who performed with icons like Louis Armstrong, Ike and Tina Turner, Bobby “Blue” Bland, and B.B. King. Growing up in Houston and spending summers in Parks, Louisiana, he absorbed Creole traditions, learned the Kouri-Veni language, and fell in love with zydeco’s driving rhythms. Influenced by legends like Clifton Chenier, John Delafose, and Boozoo Chavis, Ledet began performing professionally at age 10 as a drummer before mastering the accordion.
“I love it all,” Ledet says of his approach to music. “I want my music to be like a good gumbo—full of different styles. Everybody likes gumbo. You’ve got your meat, your seasoning, so many different ingredients. That’s what I want my music to be.”
With Live in Alaska, Corey Ledet Zydeco delivers a vibrant reminder of what zydeco does best—connect, celebrate, and move the soul. It’s a joyful snapshot of a musician deeply rooted in Creole culture yet unafraid to let his music travel the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment