ZYDECO BLANCO
Harvey Trahan
up listening to Cajun and Zydeco greats such as
Clifton Chenier and his brother Cleveland. As a
young boy, Harvey spent many Sunday
afternoons at the Bon Temps Rouler in downtown
Lafayette, mesmerized by the rich rhythms of
Cleveland Chenier on rubboard (frattoir) and the
original melodies of Clifton on the accordion. The
entire audience--a mixed group of young and
old--and of different races, was usually up on its
feet dancing. Harvey observed how music had the
power to bring people together of very different
backgrounds in a shared, joyous experience.
This vision became the driving force behind
Harvey's interest in continuing the Cajun-Zydeco
tradition. In 1997 Harvey met Leif Oines and,
after their first jam session, realized that great
things were about to happen. Before long, other
members of their small Texas community--friends
of friends of friends--joined the band. The circle
completed itself. Harvey brought his Louisiana
"roots" to the band, playing rubboard in Chenier's
style and singing en français, à la Cajun.
Harvey uses the richness of the bayou sound
combined with a unique percussive style to create
a fresh and upbeat version of traditional Zydeco.
More than that, Harvey's enthusiasm for the
music is contagious. Kids--both young and
old--are usually up on their feet dancing. Harvey
feels that the message behind each lyric and
rhythm is unmistakable--let's share the joy!
