Corey Ledet Zydeco and Black Magic
Live in Alaska
***and1/2 out of *****
The state of Alaska may be one of the last in the union that you would equate with zydeco music, but Corey Ledet Zydeco and Black Magic decided to capture their new album, Live in Alaska, during their set at the Anchorage Folk Festival in February 2025. The spritely recording showcases a tight band and energetic crowd, both getting down with joyous freedom.
The Louisiana based outfit, with Ledet leading the way on accordion and vocals, are Julian Primeaux on guitar, Jean-Paul Jolivette on drums, Cecil Green on keyboards, and James Adams on the rub board. Following in the steps of the legendary Clifton Chenier, the King of Zydeco, the band mixes in blues, rock, R&B, pop, soul, and more.
After a brief introduction the group uses the strutting, upbeat, "This Is All I Want" to get loose. Following that is one of the albums best songs as the players deliver "Boudin Man". The funky tune about a sausage guy gets stretched out with excellent keys from Green (who also doubles dropping bass lines this show) and a great guitar solo, while also giving a mid-song tribute to the classic R&B shouter "Land of a Thousand Dances". A winning effort all around.
The live recording can be a little hot at times, yet the group deliver nice vocal harmonies on the direct "I Just Want To Be Your Loving Man" while "Alaska Funk" is an improvised on the spot jam that goes on a bit too long.
While the band easily expands it's style, at the root of Ledet's music is the traditional bayou based offerings. He sings a few tunes in Creole French, including the classic sounding "Arèt Tô Trin", the more rocking "Kofè T'fé Ça" and the deep blues laced "M'apé Gònn a Dauphine" which feels heavily inspired by "Night Time Is The Right Time".
Black Magic is not only the name of Ledet's band, it is also the name he gave to his new accordion. Ledet starts the modern sounding R&B inspired jam session, "Creole Cruising" with a display of his dynamic talents on Black Magic as a sweeping accordion solo kicks things off. Later in the tune he delivers a speech about love being the only way to get into heaven, and that we should love all those around us.
The performance of "J'ai Parti Dans La Campagne" sums up Ledet and Black Magic's talents perfectly. Singing in multiple languages Ledet takes us to the country for some fiery accordion and foot stomping fun, before bringing it back to church with gospel infused grooves while partying and jamming out. This mixing of genres, joy of expression and musical prowess sums up Corey Ledet Zydeco and Black Magic's Live in Alaska as an extremely enjoyable live record.
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