Critical Praise For

C.J. CHENIER’S

  STEP IT UP!

 

C.J. Chenier gives the bayou dance music a modern makover with Step It Up. C.J. expands and carves out his own distinctive brand of zydeco. 

- Houston Chronicle

 

C.J. Chenier lives up to the first family of Zydeco's name with this rousing record, as good a party album as is likely to appear anytime soon. Masterful. 

- Chicago Sun-Times

 

C.J. Chenier embodies the probable future of zydeco, stirring contemporary influences like R&B, soul, and funk into his spicy musical gumbo.  

- Chicago Reader

 

Chenier's knack for catchy tunes and driving grooves has made him one of America's most recognizable zydeco stars. Step It Up! is an infectious, guaranteed party starter. 

- Chicago Tribune

 

Chock full of hard-smacking conga beats and brick-thick bass lines, Step It Up! stands tall. Chenier's hands glide effortlessly up-and-down the accordion's black and whites as he sings that zydeco is spreading all over the land like an uncontrollable fever. Infectious and rollicking.

- Offbeat

 

Chenier's molasses-streaked, soulful, bluesy voice has contributed to a highly energized brand of zydeco. Step It Up! is a mix of soul-drenched ballads and blistering romps.                                                                                    

- Minneapolis City Pages

 

Aspirants to the zydeco throne vacated by Clifton Chenier's death in 1987 are many but Clifton's son C.J. may well be the true royal successor. On Step It Up!, he officiated with authority on squeeze box, sings with indisputable conviction and writers gladsome dance floor stomps. He lets the blues and funk rip like a strong wind off the Gulf.                                                                                    

- Downbeat

 

Home | Events | Registration |  Fall 2008 Programs & Classes | Summer 2008 Camps & Classes Spring 2008 Programs & Classes  |     Photos | Contact