Zydeco & South Louisiana

The Acadians {Cajun}, from Nova Scotia (of Spanish, German, and Anglo descent ) settled and intermingled with the Indians in the area, in the bayou of South Louisiana, a French territory and some 'interestin' music was born. The music is a blend of the steel guitar, drums, and accordion.

These paintings of the Zydeco series, are tributes to my grandfather and his love of Zydeco music, which I finally appreciate.

The flavourful blends of people from everywhere makes the culture bright, vibrant, and full of life.

What is Zydeco?

" Zydeco is the blues and dance music of the black Louisiana Creoles, French speakers who were brought to Louisiana as slaves by the French planters in the 18th Century. The roots of Zydeco music can be found in the hand-clapping and foot-stomping used by the field hands to pray and give thanks, which evolved and later incorporated blues, swamp pop, R& B, and Afro- Caribbean rhythms." Rocky Petralia

Zydeco Inspirations

Wit a little dis
and
a little dat
and
shake-it roun
ther be loads of fun aboun.
Mais, yeah cher
Gather roun for some jumbalaya,
crawfish pie,
mais yeah and a little gumbo,
O Mee o My O