Koray Broussard

Just because you hail from healthy zydeco bloodlines doesn’t guarantee overnight success.

Koray Broussard’s grandfather was the venerable Delton Broussard, honcho of the Lawtell Playboys, and uncle Jeffery practically ignited the nouveau zydeco movement with Zydeco Force. But the sounds from this envelope-pushing Broussard draw stronger parallels to former bandleader Curley Taylor than any family legacy.

Broussard’s predominantly original affair offers surprising maturity and unexpected veteran seasoning that’s fairly remarkable considering that he was only 20 at the time of this recording. His lyrics unravel honest story lines (“Trapped”), while his singing emotes tenderness and sincerity (“Roll with Me”). Additionally, he’s a skilled multi- instrumentalist, showcasing spot-on single/triple-row accordion playing, a relentless rhythm guitar attack and strong, pulsing bass lines that indicate a solid rhythmic foundation.

With contemporary R&B and gospel influences permeating throughout, most of this is modern 21st-Century zydeco, with the exception of “My Woman Wanna Zydeco” and “Don’t Bother Me.” Instead, they have a distinct mid-’90s flavor since they were written by pops Lappy of Zydeco Blazers fame. But family ties aside, Broussard has plenty to say on his own with material that stylistically ranges from breezy R&B to hard-charging crunk.

An artist worth taking note of.

Admission includes free zydeco dance lesson during the band break.