Leroy Thomas – We Love You Leroy

Leroy Thomas was born into the Zydeco music world; his father, Leo Thomas, was a drummer in his own band and led the band while playing drums!  Leroy started by emulating his father on the drums, however he always wanted to play accordion and eventually in his early teens he traded for one and taught himself to play.  He is always one who stuffs his discs with songs; this disc has 16 of them, 7 he wrote and the rest are by a variety of writers.  He has a knack for choosing songs that fit his strengths.  He does a great version of Rock Me Baby, an older R&B song by Melvin Jackson, on which Leo Thomas his dad does the lead vocals.  There is also a version of a song made popular Old Crow Medicine Show that was originally sketched by Bob Dylan, it was later modified by Ketch Secor of O.C.M.S., again done very successfully as a Zydeco romp.  It seems that his magic at covering songs extends to whomever including Ray Charles.
 

His range in Zydeco is great and particularly at adapting the songs to his styles and band.  The most common complaint about Zydeco is that it all sounds the same, however when you listen to him and to Terrance Simien two of the best and most creative artists in the genre, you realize what a pile of horsefeathers that is.  These two in particular have great voices and wide and far seeing vision that can see beyond the original intent of the song and re-envision it, make it their own.
 

His band is hot and provide solid backing for him and they get you out on the dance floor, which is the purpose of Zydeco. Hard work during the day and a lively dance floor and good food and friends during the night time party.  There is a good hard working joy to this music, and Leroy Thomas and The Zydeco Roadrunners know how to infuse the atmosphere so that you can’t help but have a solid, rockin’ good time.  Sit back and relax when it starts because soon enough you will be up and moving to the music with a great big grin on your face and happiness in your heart.
 

by bob gottlieb