Zydeco Flames
Gig Seeker Pro

Zydeco Flames

San Anselmo, California, United States | Established. Jan 01, 1990 | INDIE

San Anselmo, California, United States | INDIE
Established on Jan, 1990
Band Blues Zydeco

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"ZYDECO FLAMES FIRE IT UP"

BCR la revue, Mars 2007,vol3, #8


ZYDECO FLAMES
FIRE IT UP

When charismatic founder and accordionist Bruce Gordon left the band, we could understandably have expected the worst. Fans can rest assured – this sixth and latest Zydeco Flames opus will set your mind at ease. Since 2003 and recording the excellent BANK THE FIRE, we had only heard from the San Anselmo band at large festivals. Although it is always wise to be wary of a groundbreaking album, I must admit that after dissecting the latest album and listening to it repeatedly and critically, I cannot find a single weak track on it.

I feel that Gordon’s departure may have helped bring the other musicians closer together. Guitarist Frank Bohan seems to be handling the relational aspect (which is rare among zydeco bands), while bassist Timm Walker (formerly with Sonny Rhodes and Joe Louis Walker) leads the band; not only by handling the album production and construction, but also by playing keyboards, rhythm and the tub, as well as by singing and songwriting. He wrote most of the 18 songs on the album. The greatest find on the album is the contribution of two accordion players: the phenomenal André Thierry on the accordion piano (we also hear him on the organ) proves to be highly skilled technically and has become an integral part of the group, and Billy Wilson on the diatonic Cajun accordion. Billy plays on four tracks, adding a raw feel to the music that goes straight to the core and feels authentic.

ZYDECO FLAMES therefore offer an album that is satisfying in length (about 73 minutes) and that includes 18 tracks, 15 of which are original, distinct and subtle. The remakes of classics include the catchy “Oh Madeline” (originally by Zydeco Force) as the first track, the excellent “Creole Song”, a Kid Ory original previously remade by Lynn August (the Z F version features an amazing bass solo), and “Co Fa”, a John Delafose two-step modernized by Keith Frank. The original tracks include soulful ballads entitled “Emergency”, “Have Mercy”, “The Right Time”, and “Rush Rush”; an incomparable Jump piece called “She Likes It”, a two-step called “Lil Bit O Love” (Curley Taylor would approve), a waltz called “Rosa” in honor of Rosa Parks, as well as instrumental pieces including the “Fire It Up” title track, a reggae gospel piece called “Turn Him Loose”, two dancy pieces entitled “Zydeco Girl” and “Shot Down”, and lastly blues tracks called “You Lied” and “Wide Load”. We should also mention the excellent performances of some musicians not listed above: group co-founder and rubboard player Lloyd Meadows (who has worked with Elvin Bishop), William Allums on drums and guitarist Frank Bohan (previously of Johnny Copeland).

No weak tracks, very subtle tones and superior musical skills make this one of the best albums to come out in the already bountiful 2006. Kingbee would even go as far as to place this album at the top of his zydeco list, just above Donna Angelle, Leroy Thomas and Curley Taylor.

“Le Kingbee” ERIC POIROT




ZYDECO FLAMES
FIRE IT UP
Eternal Flames Prod

This album explores a really unusual direction: although the 18 tracks include zydeco music written by the group, three traditional songs are included (“Oh, Madeline”, “Co Fa” and “Creole Song”). The album gives you 72 minutes of music, but you won’t have time to get bored. The Zydeco Flames lineup definitely has its roots in Creole music, adding their own style to the mix. The title track, “Fire It Up”, is striking right from the first notes. The harmonica is sometimes added to the accordion, particularly on “Wide Load”, with excellent results.

This is noteworthy because it is quite rare in zydeco music. I loved the way the two instruments “speak” to each other. Every song is original in its own right, and the songs are long. Some are better structured than others and those are our favorites, namely “Emergency”, “Rush Rush”, “Shot Down”, “Creole Song” and “Co Fa”, these last two being traditional classics. All in all, this is an interesting zydeco album, and there are many of those nowadays. Lots of bands get their inspiration from this musical genre, which never goes out of style, and it’s nice to see that zydeco lives on not only with black musicians, but also with mixed groups, as is the case with Zydeco Flames.
www.zydecoflames.com

JEAN-PAUL CLAVEAU



FROM SOULBAG #177 DECEMBRE 2004

The ZYDECO FLAMES
THE WEST COAST'S PREMIER ZYDECO BAND!

California zydeco is much less known than that of Louisiana and Texas. It’s only natural. For a long time, it didn’t have access to solid structures and recognized clubs. Back then, and still today, bands played in Hispanic cantinas, Jewish ballrooms, blues clubs, university gymnasiums and Catholic church halls*.

The California zydeco scene, although underground, should not be dismissed, however, as it has produced great artists: the late Joe Siemen and Danny Poullard, but also T Lou in Los Angeles, Theo & the - BCR la revue, THE SOULBAG [France]


"ZYDECO FLAMES FIRE IT UP"

BCR la revue, Mars 2007,vol3, #8


ZYDECO FLAMES
FIRE IT UP

When charismatic founder and accordionist Bruce Gordon left the band, we could understandably have expected the worst. Fans can rest assured – this sixth and latest Zydeco Flames opus will set your mind at ease. Since 2003 and recording the excellent BANK THE FIRE, we had only heard from the San Anselmo band at large festivals. Although it is always wise to be wary of a groundbreaking album, I must admit that after dissecting the latest album and listening to it repeatedly and critically, I cannot find a single weak track on it.

I feel that Gordon’s departure may have helped bring the other musicians closer together. Guitarist Frank Bohan seems to be handling the relational aspect (which is rare among zydeco bands), while bassist Timm Walker (formerly with Sonny Rhodes and Joe Louis Walker) leads the band; not only by handling the album production and construction, but also by playing keyboards, rhythm and the tub, as well as by singing and songwriting. He wrote most of the 18 songs on the album. The greatest find on the album is the contribution of two accordion players: the phenomenal André Thierry on the accordion piano (we also hear him on the organ) proves to be highly skilled technically and has become an integral part of the group, and Billy Wilson on the diatonic Cajun accordion. Billy plays on four tracks, adding a raw feel to the music that goes straight to the core and feels authentic.

ZYDECO FLAMES therefore offer an album that is satisfying in length (about 73 minutes) and that includes 18 tracks, 15 of which are original, distinct and subtle. The remakes of classics include the catchy “Oh Madeline” (originally by Zydeco Force) as the first track, the excellent “Creole Song”, a Kid Ory original previously remade by Lynn August (the Z F version features an amazing bass solo), and “Co Fa”, a John Delafose two-step modernized by Keith Frank. The original tracks include soulful ballads entitled “Emergency”, “Have Mercy”, “The Right Time”, and “Rush Rush”; an incomparable Jump piece called “She Likes It”, a two-step called “Lil Bit O Love” (Curley Taylor would approve), a waltz called “Rosa” in honor of Rosa Parks, as well as instrumental pieces including the “Fire It Up” title track, a reggae gospel piece called “Turn Him Loose”, two dancy pieces entitled “Zydeco Girl” and “Shot Down”, and lastly blues tracks called “You Lied” and “Wide Load”. We should also mention the excellent performances of some musicians not listed above: group co-founder and rubboard player Lloyd Meadows (who has worked with Elvin Bishop), William Allums on drums and guitarist Frank Bohan (previously of Johnny Copeland).

No weak tracks, very subtle tones and superior musical skills make this one of the best albums to come out in the already bountiful 2006. Kingbee would even go as far as to place this album at the top of his zydeco list, just above Donna Angelle, Leroy Thomas and Curley Taylor.

“Le Kingbee” ERIC POIROT




ZYDECO FLAMES
FIRE IT UP
Eternal Flames Prod

This album explores a really unusual direction: although the 18 tracks include zydeco music written by the group, three traditional songs are included (“Oh, Madeline”, “Co Fa” and “Creole Song”). The album gives you 72 minutes of music, but you won’t have time to get bored. The Zydeco Flames lineup definitely has its roots in Creole music, adding their own style to the mix. The title track, “Fire It Up”, is striking right from the first notes. The harmonica is sometimes added to the accordion, particularly on “Wide Load”, with excellent results.

This is noteworthy because it is quite rare in zydeco music. I loved the way the two instruments “speak” to each other. Every song is original in its own right, and the songs are long. Some are better structured than others and those are our favorites, namely “Emergency”, “Rush Rush”, “Shot Down”, “Creole Song” and “Co Fa”, these last two being traditional classics. All in all, this is an interesting zydeco album, and there are many of those nowadays. Lots of bands get their inspiration from this musical genre, which never goes out of style, and it’s nice to see that zydeco lives on not only with black musicians, but also with mixed groups, as is the case with Zydeco Flames.
www.zydecoflames.com

JEAN-PAUL CLAVEAU



FROM SOULBAG #177 DECEMBRE 2004

The ZYDECO FLAMES
THE WEST COAST'S PREMIER ZYDECO BAND!

California zydeco is much less known than that of Louisiana and Texas. It’s only natural. For a long time, it didn’t have access to solid structures and recognized clubs. Back then, and still today, bands played in Hispanic cantinas, Jewish ballrooms, blues clubs, university gymnasiums and Catholic church halls*.

The California zydeco scene, although underground, should not be dismissed, however, as it has produced great artists: the late Joe Siemen and Danny Poullard, but also T Lou in Los Angeles, Theo & the - BCR la revue, THE SOULBAG [France]


Discography

FIRE DANCE 2013 [Globe Records]
FIRE IT UP 2006 [available @ CDBaby.com]
BANK THE FIRE 2003 [available @ CDBaby.com]
SMOKIN' AT THE PLANT 1998
THE HEAT IS ON 1996
BURNING UP THE TRACKS 1995
HOT OFFERINGS 1993

"Fire It Up" has radio play on KFOG, KPOO, & KFPA
radio stations in the San Francisco/Oakland Bay area.

CDs also available through website.
www.zydecoflames.com

VIDEO ZYDECO FLAMES "LIVE" 2000

Photos

Bio

The Zydeco Flames have gained a reputation as the West Coast's premiere Zydeco band. Their seventh release "FIRE DANCE" [2013] provides fans with hot Zydeco in the tradition of masters like Clifton Chenier, Buckwheat Zydeco, And Queen Ida.
The Flames consistently pack the house in venues ranging from contemporary clubs to major festivals to traditional dance halls. Their eclectic, soulful style ignites at such clubs as San Francisco's Boom Boom Room, Great American Music Hall and Berkeley's Ashkenaz. Festival appearances include Bill Graham's New Orleans by the Bay, Seattle's Bumbershoot Festival, The Portland Blues Festival, and the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas. Zydeco Flames have rocked the Northern Rocky Mountain Folk Festival, Oakland's Art and Soul Festival, San Franciscos North Beach Festival, the San Francisco Jazz Festival and played to standing-room-only crowds for a record 17 years at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee. In 2007, they appeared with Harry Connick, Jr. at the Sonoma County Jazz Festival.
The Flames have played at corporate events for major companies including Oracle, USAA, Fortune Magazine, Genentech and Google and at political fundraisers for President Bill Clinton, Senator Barbara Boxer and former San Francisco Mayor, Willie Brown. Five of the bands songs even appear in the computer reality game, "The Sims Unleashed!

BEST ZYDECO BAND 2006 Bay Area Blues Society, NORTH BAY MUSIC AWARD 2009, BEST OF EAST BAY AWARD 2010.

The Band

LLOYD MEADOWS (lead vocals, rubboard, harmonica) is a consummate entertainer and rousing crowd pleaser. His infectious energy infuses audiences wherever he performs. A classically trained singer, Lloyd's soulful, steamy style ranges from rock to blues to R&B, leading to a unique blend of Zydeco. His diverse musical background includes performances and recordings with Mal Sharpe's Big Money, Tom Rigney and Elvin Bishop.

FRANK BOHAN (guitar & vocals) has musical roots deep in the styles of the Chicago Blues. Audiences are energized by his masterful solos and compelling rhythm guitar work. Frank was the bandleader for Freeway Frank & the Hotwires, and has played with Johnny Copeland, Alvin Youngblood-Hart, Johnny Nitro, Andre Thierry; and recorded with Ricardo Scales,
Fergus, the Luxurians, and the German Shepherds.
Recently Frank is often seen hamming it up at the Coffee Roaster's Cafe in San Anselmo with the Frank & Ted Show on saturday mornings, or ripping it up with his good friends Ted O'Connell (of the Bonnie Hayes band), Jeb Harrison (of Call Me Bwana) and Kevin Hayes (of the Robert Cray band) at the infamous "Twangfest" bi-monthly sessions at Peri's bar in Fairfax, Ca.

WILLIAM ALLUMS (drums) A multi-faceted player with deep roots in gospel music, hip-hop, funk and R&B. William" inspirational playing, with his unique brand of Louisiana spiced rhythms continues to draw fans to their feet and on to the dance floor.

TIMM WALKER (bass,vocals,lyrics,producer,engineer)
is one reason why the Flames are known for having one of the tightest rhythm sections in the business. His performance credits include work with the Larry James band, Roy Gaines, JJ Malone, Sista Monica, Bobby Murray, and Andre Thierry. He is also a core member of the Elvin Bishop band. Timm produced and engineered the latest CDs for the Zydeco Flames, "BANK THE FIRE"(2003) and "FIRE IT UP"(2006), and also founded/recorded/produced the New Orleans flavored funk act Beaufunk and their CD "Change Gonna Come Fo Betta"

BRUCE GORDON (accordion) Bruce has a deep French Creole style that is well-grounded in Louisiana Music and Creole culture. Today, Bruce Gordon & Zydeco Flames continue to capture the attention of music lovers and dancers worldwide.

Band Members