Here’s a review from the Standard Time web site of the show this week. Real nice setting in courtyard of the museum
Buckwheat Zydeco spreads the love
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, August 11, 2010
Reviewed by Jeffrey B. Remz (countryst@gmail.com)
The setting of a museum courtyard for Buckwheat Zydeco and Ils Sons Partit Band may have been a tad different from the dance halls they typically play in their native Louisiana. Staid might come to mind, but that, of course, is the antithesis of Zydeco music.
Buckwheat Zydeco , aka Stanley Dural Jr., is one of the leading lights of the Louisiana-based music. The bottom line was the party was on from the get go with Zydeco’s band leading the way for a few songs before their leader strode on stage.
Buckwheat alternated between English and French, but there was no language barrier. The idea of having a few hours to party was paramount. The group mixed it up between originals and covers, such as Fat Domino’s Walking to New Orleans and Hank Williams’ Hey Good Lookin’.
The affable leader spent a chunk of time on accordion, but he also switched over to Hammond B3 organ, adding a totally different feel with bluesy washes of sound.
The importance of the band cannot be underestimated. The sound was quite clean and clear with everyone contributing throughout to make for a lively evening. Long-time band mate Curtis Watson on trumpet, drummer Kevin Menard, bassist Lee Allen Zeno, rub board player Reginald Dural (Buckwheat’s son) and guitarist Paul Senegal were all stellar. Senegal was top notch with a slew of steely, vibrant guitar lines. Buckwheat spread the love around his band, typically allowing the songs to stretch out. Over the course of 100 minutes, they played 10 songs. His band was more than up to the task.
The closing cover of Bob Marley’s Peace, Love and Happiness was a welcome departure from typical Zydeco fare. The message from the reggae song wasn’t a very deep one , but it was one that Buckwheat tried hammering home to the crowd, saying that’s what was needed to make a difference for future generations. The words apparently spoke to Buckwheat as well. While it seemed the party may have ended after 90 minutes, he hung around quite awhile longer singing the song, continuing the good feelings.
