Desperately Seeking Boudin

Don't confuse the name ZigaZag with any counter culture rolling paper but on the other hand, this counter culture UK Cajun band will likely roll you over. On their commendable debut, ZigaZag gracefully zigs and zags their way through a sunny set of Cajun and Creole standards with a genuinely ancient sound hailing from the earliest days of its recorded music.

While fingers dance nimbly on guitar strings and the fiddle sings sweet melodic tones, the bass-note driven, bellow stretching, reed-clicking accordion comes strolling by to set the stage for another inviting celebration. And though the tempos never accelerate past a comfortable pace, this 12-track collection lends itself well to creative expression as well as embodying the essential 'joie de vivre' spirit.

Several tracks ("Crowley Two-Step," "La Talle d'Eronces," "Perrodin Two Step") are so superbly done, they hold up as shining examples for others cutting their teeth on these soulful tunes.

Additionally, a few of the vocal selections ("Caillette est Crevée") border on the angelic with Carol Wilson's high harmony parts while the band's rightful rhythmic emphasis never wavers.

Desperately Seeking Boudin is desperately worth seeking out even if you would rather skip the boudin.-- Dan Willging