DOPSIE STRIKES!   Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers   Ray Van Records- 2001 A Review By Paule Pachter, November 7 , 2005

For some being the son of a Zydeco legend (Alton “Rockin’ Dopsie” Rubin) might be a drawback. For others being the brother of a Zydeco powerhouse (David “Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr” Rubin) might be a difficult burden to carry, especially if you want to make your own mark in a musical industry that’s pretty much filled with family acts (i.e., Carrier, Williams, Delafose). However, Dwayne Dopsie has nothing to worry about. He’s not performing in the shadow of either his famous father or brother. He continues to blaze his own trail with his high-energy sound and crisp soulful vocals. On what is actually his debut release entitled “Dopsie Strikes,” which was originally released in 2001 Dwayne lays down 10 tracks that were recorded live at the Bayou in Chalmette, Louisiana. The tracks capture his undisputed energy and vocal range, along with his command of the accordion. In fact on some tracks it’s hard to distinguish whether Dwayne is playing the accordion or Hammond B3 organ. Among the most impressive tracks contained on “Dopsie Strikes” are: “Mom and Pop;” “Don’t Be A Fool (featuring an incredible rubboard solo by Alex MacDonald);” “Lost the Best Friend I Ever Had;” and “Corn Fields” Backing up Dwayne Dopsie who takes his turn on accordion, tamborine, lead and background vocals are: Alex MacDonald (rubboard, background vocals); Kipori Woods (guitar); Thomas Knapp (bass), and Calvin Sam (drums). Although the engineering quality of this CD is not studio quality, the sound is kind of raw but yet quite affective. “Dopsie Strikes” is certainly a good recording from a very impressive artist which earns three-peppers. You can purchase this CD online from the artist’s official website at: www.dwaynedopsie.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 2005 Paule Pachter/Richard Arfin. All rights reserved.