Rod Bernard & Clifton Chenier - Boogie In Black & White (1976)

A reissue of a 1976 album, this is an unlikely collaboration between two legends of South Louisiana music.

At the time, Rod Bernard’s swamp pop hit records (“This Should Go on Forever,” “Colinda”) had long been considered oldies and he was pursuing a career as a TV station ad rep. Chenier was then the “King of Zydeco” and at the peak of his popularity. He and his Red Hot Louisiana Band ruled the Creole dance halls and Chenier was an in-demand attraction for concert promoters worldwide.

Recorded at Floyd Soileau’s old Ville Platte studio, Boogie in Black & White is for the most part an enjoyable—even if not terribly creative—run through of blues and rock and roll standards: “My Babe,” “Kansas City,’ “High Heel Sneakers,” “Baby, What You Want Me to Do?”—you get the idea. There are no originals in the compact 10-song package.

Bernard handles all the vocals and he sounds confident and energetic. Chenier concentrated on leading the band with his rocking accordion and, as always, his style is instantly recognizable. A definite plus here is the inclusion of saxophone legend John Hart, who was then Chenier’s first lieutenant. Hart produces several splendid solos throughout. Another plus here are informative sleeve notes by Bernard’s son, Shane.

Not a definite must-have release—that would be The Essential Rod Bernard and Chenier’s Bogalusa Boogie—but a rollicking time capsule from an important era of Louisiana music. ~Jeff Hannusch