Keith Frank 2003

Click here for information on Keith Frank's 2001 CDs, including The Creole Connection.

The title of Keith Frank's 2003 release, The Zydeco Icon, appropriately describes his standing among Zydeco fans in Southwest Louisiana. At his performance during the 2003 Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival on May 3, the crowd was clapping, shouting, shaking, and, yes, dancing, when they could find room in the crush around the bandstand.

The CD features a good variety of songs: Keith's interpretation of traditional songs like "Jambalaya" and "Mardi Gras Second Line" with his own lyrics, live versions of "The Mill" and "Part Time Lover," the funky beat of "Party Down," a highly danceable "It's Alright," a Zydeco interpretation of Cajun in "Acadiana Soul Two-Step," and a song about "Captain Pawn," who overspends and soon has to pawn everything. Frank mixes Zydeco with reggae in "Lion in the Jungle."

There are also a couple of songs in French: "Petite ou la grosse"  and "Horse with No Shoes" (and no socks!).

His godchild Julie (pictured below) has lead vocals on "Hit the Road, Jack" ("How did I do, Parrain?" she asks at the conclusion of the song.).

"Big Butt Woman" is included in a radio version and in an extended mix that last more than nine minutes, featuring some virtuoso accordion riffs.

The CD was recorded by Keith Frank and released on his SoulWood Records label.

No more pictures!

Actually, Keith Frank was demonstrating how he could magically use his hand to control the volume of the other musicians when he decided to provide a close-up of his magical powers.

Posted 6-22-03

All photographs and text by David Simpson.

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