By Marilyn Delk |
Terrance Simien is a positive force of nature whose music and presence inspire joy as well as a deeper knowledge and understanding of his Creole culture. I recently enjoyed accompanying Terrance and his merry band of musicians, The Zydeco Experience, to Bradford School where the group entertained and subtly informed fourth through sixth grade students,; the kids certainly knew they were having a good time but may not have realized that they were also being taught about a culture that has contributed much to our society including joyous music and savory food.
Terrance expertly plays his accordion, sings, and emcees the informative fun; the frottoir or rub-board essential to zydeco that was invented by music pioneer Clifton Chenier in the 1940’s was manned by several enthusiastic students who eagerly vied for the opportunity to take the stage and perform for their classmates. If you are not familiar with this essential zydeco instrument, it replaced the lowly washboard that had been used as the rhythmic anchor of the genre for generations. Zydeco originally blended rural blues with jazz, using lyrics sung in French; traces of Native American rhythms also are part of the sound.
The highly skilled Zydeco Experience band includes long time band members Danny Williams on the keyboards and Stan Chambers on the bass guitar; Danny has been a friend and collaborator with Terrance for over thirty years, while Stan has been a member of the band for a little over half that time. Newer members of the stellar group are Berklee College of Music graduate Ian Molinaro-Thompson on drums, Michael Christie on trumpet, and Noah Boshra on saxophone; Michael graduated from Shenandoah University, which is among the top ten per cent of music programs in the nation, while Noah graduated from Tulane University.
Terrance taught the students some Creole French words before performing a Chenier song written in French, explaining that “You won’t understand a word, but you are going to feel it!” And feel it they did, the energy building throughout the performance. In addition to the excitement of vying to join the on-stage band to play the froittoir, the students eagerly competed for the Mardi Gras beads that were tossed into the audience, adding to the energetic festivities.
The students learned that the earliest form of Creole music, jure, is descended from the African and Native American heritage of the Creole people. One of the most famous Creole musicians was Amede Ardoin, born in 1898, who wrote many songs, played the accordion, and sang only in French. Clifton Chenier changed zydeco music forever when in the 1950’s and 60’s he incorporated blues and rock ‘n’ roll into his indigenous music, singing in French but also in English. He was the first to expand the genre to include drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, and horns. Chenier became an early mentor to Terrance Simien, who started his first band in 1981 while still in high school. Terrance followed in his mentor’s footsteps when it came to earning awards; when Best Zydeco or Cajun record was initiated among the Grammy Awards, Chenier became the first winner; Terrance earned that Grammy prize in 2008, later winning a second for Best Regional Roots Album in 2014.
Terrance shared a song he had recorded with Paul Simon many years ago, performed another Chenier tune, then sang one co-written with Randy Newman for the Disney movie The Princess and the Frog; the students were invited to “Sing loud and proud” on the jazzy chorus of that one. And they exuberantly followed that instruction! The traditions and practices of a Creole Mardi Gras celebration were explained, as were some Creole symbols representing French heritage, Spanish heritage, and others displaying the red/yellow/green colors of Mali and the Star of Senegal, nations from which most African Creoles emigrated.
The youngsters had a great time battling for beads, performing rhythmically on stage with the band, and hearing skilled musicians perform roots music of historical significance. As they filed out of the auditorium, their enthusiasm resonated through the school’s halls. And a good time was had by all!