Review: Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas

Nathan Williams is the nicest guy in Zydeco and he carries the flame for the real stuff. His Zydeco is upbeat, authentic and a true dance marathon. His latest continues to prove that the Zydeco Cha Chas are Zydecoland's hottest act. Utilizing a traditional sound updated and crispified, Williams provides all the goods. Your feet tap, belly sways and head bobs. This go round, the material makes you scream without the traditional exhortation of "somebody scream, y'all." Nathan's songs are a bit more introspective with 14 originals that include a recounting of his start in Zydeco (Zydeco Is All I Know), thank yous to his mentors, kick out the jams pounders (El Sid-Os Party) and the obligatory song about food (Le Bon Manger). Nathan even shows off his new skill on the triple-row squeezebox in the heart stopping "Put A Hump In Your Back." One of Zydeco's best urges you to "Let's go," so, let's do it. Etoile!—Mark Gresser