The New Iberians Blues & Zydeco Band
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    The New Iberians 

    (Willamette Week, Portland OR 10/07/2009)

    [ZYDECO BLUES] The New Iberians have planted Louisiana roots in the heart of Portland's fertile musical soil. Since 1998, this local sextet has pumped out fine-tuned, polished Zydeco (which evolved from Louisiana Creole music and is a blend of jazz, blues and polka). The New Iberians' newest album, Bon Temps Rouge, weaves Zydeco's traditional guitars, accordions, a ripping horn section and a metal washboard into a catchy fabric of Southern audio flavor. So come shuffle, waltz, two-step or just plain ol' shake a leg however you damn well please. 9 pm. LaurelThirst Public House, 2958 NE Glisan St., 232-1504. Free. Map 

    "Bon Temps Rouge "

    (Blues Notes, Cascade Blues Assn.,   Portland OR 06/05/2009

    PsycheDelta Records

                There are so many different styles of music that are hard for me to take in great quantities, which is why I love the blues so much. There are so many factions within the genre that I can travel world-wide with its variety of flavors and always find something appealing. Zydeco is just another idiom of the family of the blues. To me it brings thoughts of Louisiana like the JazzFest, Spanish moss, magnolia trees, the smell of chicory coffee or a table piled with fresh boiled crawfish.Bon Temps Rouge
                The New Iberians latest CD, Bon Temps Rouge spurs those type of memories, too. It’s butt-shaking music. This one should make you get up and dance. And you know you’re in for a fun ride with the opening track, a nice bouncy take on Fats Domino’s “My Girl Josephine;” you just can’t get any more authentic New Orleans R&B than that. And the disc continues with not only fine covers of classics by the likes of Clifton Chenier and Leadbelly, but showcases some exceptional songwriting from Iberians’ bandleader Evan Shlaes, with a special nod to his beautiful original “The Belmont Waltz,” complete with musical saw played by guest Rick “Ed” Marcus. The title track tells the story of a young lady you may find appealing when first met, but will leave you bemoaning your encounter afterward. And the energetic versions of Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now” and Bobby Freeman’s “Voulez-Vous Dander?” may just bring to mind the light-heartedness of David Lindley.

                The New Iberians definitely have strong musicians within their core, besides vocalist/keyboards/accordionist Shlaes, they are rounded out with washboard man Paul Bassette, drummer Fred Ingram, guitarist Clark Salisbury, saxophonist Francisco Marmolejo and Oregon Music Hall of Fame bassist J. Michael Kearsey. Recorded at Falcon Studios, behind the always fine engineering of Dennis Carter and co-produced by Terry Robb (who also offers guitar on a couple tracks), this is fun just waiting to happen when you give it your first listen.

    Tracks:

    My Girl Josephine / Goin’ To The Levee / Bon Temps Rouge / Black Snake Blues / Terry Anne / Rock Island Line / Voulez-Vous Dancer? / The Belmont Waltz / Voodoo Juice / Hot Dog Stand / I Can See Clearly Now

    Total Time: 42:15

     “Stumptown Zydeco”

    For those that may be wondering, the word Stumptown is an “unflattering nickname for Portland, Oregon during the pioneer days,” and of course Zydeco is “lively dance music from backwater Louisiana,” terms that are defined in the liner notes of the New Iberians Zydeco Blues Band latest record Stumptown Zydeco.  The band also goes on to say that their name is “where forest meets swamp and gets down,” and their music is definitely there to back up this statement.  The songs and playing on Stumptown Zydeco is catchy, contains massive grooves and will have even the most timid audience member up on their feet dancing the night away.

    Among the standout items on this album are the accordion and harmonica playing, such as on the foot-stompin’ “Stumptown Roll.”  The song features nice, laid back but heavily grooved accordion work by Evan Shlaes that perfectly lays the foundation for Claes Almroth bust out his harmonica chops as he fills in between the vocals and lays down a memorable solo that is also one of the album’s best.  Not to be outdone, guitarist Rob Woods steps in with a specific nod to Chuck Berry on some rock n roll guitar solos.  It is this level of musicianship that lifts the album from the level of a good dance record to a great musical experience that also happens to contain very danceable grooves.  A lot of times people forget how advanced Zydeco players are with their musicianship and technical facility. Stumptown Zydeco reminds us of this fact with every song on the record.

    Besides having solid solo playing from these talented musicians, there is groove to spare.  Digging into the  “second line” rhythm, which most people will know from the hit songs “Bo Diddly” or “Willy and the Hand Jive” by Eric Clapton, the band digs deep into the pocket on the song “Charlize Bayou” as they lay down one of the tightest grooves of the album.  As well, the song uses some unexpected, but highly enjoyable, chromatic harmony during several sections of the song, raising the interest level and providing extra harmonic resources for the vocals and soloists to dig into for inspiration.  Again, this is a case where the band takes a few risks that might have gotten away from another less-experienced ensemble, and nails it, showcasing their adept musical skills as well as their willingness to extend themselves for the sake of the song and their audience’s enjoyment.

    For fans of Zydeco music, there is a washboard featured in the background of several songs, as well as jumping to the forefront in songs such as “Love’s Gonna Live Here” and “Walkin’ to New Orleans.”  Played by Paul Bassette, the washboard adds that extra special something that makes the music feel down home and authentic, even when the band plays funky, chromatic harmony or stretches out on their solos.  The washboard is a must have for any Zydeco band, and Stumpton Zydeco’s Bassette knows just when to bring his sound to the forefront, and when to pay subtly in the background, adding an essential musical color to the band’s palette.

    Overall, Stumptown Zydeco is a solid outing for the New Iberians Zydeco Blues Band.  It features strong musicianship, creatively written and arranged songs, and tons of groove that will get audiences up and dancing in no time.  Besides appealing to fans of the genre, the album will also make a great introduction to Zydeco for those listeners who have yet to dig in to this Southern musical delicacy.

    Review by Matthew Warnock
    Rating:  5 stars (out of 5)

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