Clifton Chenier - Black Snake Blues

Another superb offering from the Chenier brothers.  Although the star feature here is King Clifton, his brother Cleveland really shines on this.

I'm not sure about the timeline, but at some point Cleveland Chenier had the traditional rubber/washboard reworked to his specs and into the creation you see in the cover photo.  Brother Cleveland works some rhythmic magic with his trusty frottoir and at most points, is prevelant in the mix.  Johnny Can't Dance would have to be the highlight for Cleveland's talents.

As great as the rhythms are on BSB's, Clifton manages to steal the spotlight.  I think his talents are best heard on the tune Wrap It Up, where he busts out a solo that's equal parts solid rhythm and improvisation.  Incredible.  Of course his searching, yearning voice can be heard all over this one - with plenty of ha!s and huh!s thrown in for funky measure.

Enjoy this one mes amis!!!  Chitlins style...

Arhoolie 1038
1967

Clifton Chenier - v / acc;  Cleveland Chenier - frottoir;  Robert St. Judy - d;  Felix James Benoit -g;
Joe Morris - b.