Rosie Ledet
It's a Groove Thing
Maison de Soul MDS 1075 (2000)

Those who have followed Ledet and her Zydeco Playboys from the youthful sound of their first 1994 recording will find that they have matured greatly in voice and style. On this, her fifth disc, the "zydeco sweetheart" has definitely hit her "groove thing."Ledet, who takes inspiration from life, love, family, and Stephen King novels, penned 11 of the 12 songs. From the zesty title track, complete with grunts and yells, to her vamp (à la Cher) performance on "So Damn Bad," with its angst-filled lyrics, Ledet's earthy voice adapts to each message. She can switch gears with a little fun thing called "String Beans at Rock 'n' Bowl" or creep you out with "Something Wicked," a dark tale about "the angel that took a fall" and now comes prowling at her window every night. "Big Brother" takes the listener down a different road and finds Ledet recalling a happy childhood in southwestern Louisiana. Ledet's suggestive "Lover Nonc Helaire" speaks of a lover who'll "do it anywhere." The one cover on the CD, "Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You," is delivered with joi de vivre and some of Ledet's best accordion work.
Don't, however, look for a lot of fancy finger work on the accordion. Though she is gaining skill, Ledet still considers her role as that of a percussionist. The instrumental job is deftly filled by her own band, most notably the spirited fretwork of guitarist Kent August. Joining the lineup are guests Keith Frank, rhythm and lead guitar on eight tracks; Wilfred "Caveman" Pierre, rubboard; Pat Breaux, sax; Ed Gore, keyboards; and Kevin Cormier, lead guitar on one track. Annie Jo Cormier adds vocals on "String Beans at Rock 'n' Bowl."

The standout cut has to be "Hold On," which alone is worth the price of the CD. This dreamy, slow-dance number spotlights exceptional interaction among Ledet and her musicians. A sweaty torch song, its message is also optimistic: "You don't have to be alone…" August, Gore, and Breaux take the breaks with some fine jazz improvisation, but know when to let each other, and Ledet's sultry voice, shine through. The liner notes are a bit threadbare; you have to search for the song credits. (They're on the back of the case in microscopic type.) In all, this is dance music at its best from a young woman who may just be the next Queen Ida — or Cher.

— Linda J. Morris (Glen Rock, PA)