SAM (GET DOWN)   The Sam Brothers     Arhoolie Records – 2004 A Review By Paule Pachter, January 29, 2006

Let’s state the obvious right up front. The Sam Brothers are the real deal. They play the traditional, unpolished zydeco popularized by the late Clifton Chenier in the 1950s. Nothing too fancy or techno about this Texas and Louisiana rooted family. Just good old school zydeco on “Sam Get Down), which has been re-released by Arhoolie Records after its initial debut in 1979. The Sam Brothers have been at it since 1974, playing small clubs, local dance halls and school auditoriums all along the crawfish circuit and west coast. Included among the bluesy and bouncy 12 tracks featured on “Sam Get Down” are: “Lafayette Special;” “Hey Mama;” “Going Down to Big Mary;” and “Sugar Cane Patch.” The brothers also stir up a great rendition of Clifton Chenier’s “I’m A Hog For You.” The brothers are: Leon Sam (accordion and vocals); Carl Sam (guitar); Rodney Sam (drums); Glen Sam (bass); Calvin Sam (rubboard), and patriarch Herbert Sam (vocals and accordion). The CD, which was recorded in Berkeley, California is also produced by legendary producer Chris Strachwitz. “Sam Get Down” earns a three-pepper rating and can be purchased online from the record label at: www.arhoolie.com or at Amazon.Com. your support and encouragement of The Zydeco Road. Working together, we can enhance the recognition that Zydeco music and its artists so greatly deserve on Long Island and within the Metro New York area.   [ Artist of the Month ] [Sounds of The Road ] [This Ain't No Rest Stop ] [ The Road Stops Here ] [Road Shows ] [Home ] [Email ]   copyright 2006 Paule Pachter/Richard Arfin. All rights reserved.