Zydeco is the curious use of accordion and rubboard danced to in a 'partner 2 step' style in a zone. Originally it was 'la la' music. Add to it - drums, guitar, bass and horns and you have modern day zydeco. Which can contain elements of blues, jazz, rock, country, reggae, etc. All the while maintaining it's own distinctiveness.
Cajun, on the other hand, uses accordion, fiddle and triangle also danced to in a 'partner 2 step' style but going around the floor in a circle. Like a waltz but actually it is not a waltz. It contains elements of folk, celtic and country.
Zydeco uses fiddle but cajun more so.
Both zydeco and cajun play waltzes.
Both originate from the Acadiana region of southwestern Louisiana.
Key Zydeco Performers:
Past - Clifton Chenier, Rockin' Dopsie, Boozo Chavis, Beau Jocque
Present - CJ Chenier, Buckwheat Zydeco, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, Geno Delafose, Keith Frank, Andre Thierry, Leroy Thomas, Sean Ardoin, Chris Ardoin, Thomas 'Big Hat' Fields. There are many others.
Want to know more?
Attend a dance. Experience it.
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