Gotta ❤️dat Zydeco

Mayne, I remember on Saturdays & Sundays, Mother Dear would have her radio playing Zydeco & blues music. I've always liked this band, Zydeco Force, but when I heard this song (above) I knew playing the guitar was what I wanted to do. As a kid hearing this powerful melody...it just opened me up.

When I'd play Mrs. Mary, I tried out everything I heard Mother Dear listening to, be it rhythm & blues, pop, rock, gospel or zydeco. Swing was her thing tho🥰 I'd listen closely, trying to pick up on the right notes...I'd feel those songs deeply. It's like the music was in me all along.

I learned those songs bcuz they meant something to my Mother Dear. When she'd hear them, there was so much joy in her face as she'd dance away. It's like she would raise joy in the room. U know it's true what they say about Voodooiennes; they know how to move😏

Playing Zydeco music has always been a fantasy of mine, although it was seldom that Zydeco bands wanted to hire me . I'd been playing mostly blues & alternative, but I could play anything if I put my mind to it. I guess me being "white"😒played a part in it. But once I got a chance to prove myself I began to earn my stripes & more bands began to listen in on the few who believed in me & actually had me playing with them.

It was maybe four, five years back... I got a chance to play at a trail ride in Carencro, Louisiana. I was still living in New Orleans back then, trying to get any gig I could get. I'd practice playing to Zydeco music all day, making sure I felt it & it was right. I wasn't about to go in half assed.💯

Of course when I pulled up to the spot a few were ready to check me like I didn't belong, hating on the "white boy" with the Cutlass on rims blasting my screw music..(oh, I've always listened to screw...when D.J. Screw died it was devastating...I vowed to always blast my screw💯) Y'all should know those trail ride women be looking good too😏

Trail rides be mainly about different rural club organizations presenting their horses & having an actual trail ride, awesome home cooked food, & great Zydeco music, & straight up community but them women mayne 😏 They be dressed...I mean chopped to death with them tight ass blue jeans & fire boots. Y'all know I have a shoe fetish😏

That Zydeco be having them women cutting the fuck up💯🤣 My Goddess...them moves... I found myself fixated on this one female who made it her business to position herself & her dance partner in my line of view😏 I'd seen her watching me ever since the band took our place on stage...I was in the back; I was in the back a lot in those days. Hey, I didn't mind; the back is where I belong...I still shone tho😏 Ole girl kept smiling at me, making eye contact with me whenever I'd look up. She was showing out too...a lot of them were. That's a whole lotta ass not to watch🤣🤣But I was professional about it....I didn't stare that much🤣

Being able to play Zydeco again is an honor & I've been enjoying it💯 I love the culture. I love the strength. I love the happy faces. I love the boots💯😏 But most of all I love that feeling I remember it gave Mother Dear. It's like reconnecting with her.❤️

Mother Dear would be proud to know I'm finally doing something right.