Came Thru Pullin’
Zydekool, 2020
8/10
Sean Ardoin has been impressing quite a few people lately, so much so that his 2018 album, Kreole Rock And Soul, landed him a Grammy Nomination. On this outing, the artist reworks 10 tunes from his past two decades as a solo artist, and puts a glossy finish on them with plenty of modern fun and with an all star cast helping out.
The title track starts the listen with Ardoin’s robust and expressive vocals guiding a very playful setting that’s festive and bright, and the aptly titled “Bounce” follows with accordion acrobatics in a climate that will get your body moving and keep it moving.
Halfway through, “I’m Not Gonna Wait” finds a soulful place to reside that’s percussively strong and energetic, while “Gumbo Time” recruits hip-hop influences into the flowing melodies with contributions from Bryson ‘New Cupid’ Bernard and Shawn ‘Uncle Luck’ Bernard. “Kool Rolling”, one of the album’s best, then moves and shakes with a busy delivery where a dynamic execution from the rhythm section and guitars leaves an indelible mark.
Near the end, “Nothing Like Our Love” mixes pop with Creole in exciting ways you won’t forget anytime soon, and “Shut Them Down” offers strong electric guitar work amid a firm rock’n’roll angle as rapping from Sean Ardoin II makes a big impression.
It’s no surprise that Ardoin is considered one of the most luminous names in Creole and Zydeco sounds today, and here he further cements that position with plenty of rock, pop, R&B, funk and soul spirit packed into these Creole and Zydeco gems.
Travels well with: Buckwheat Zydeco- Jackpot!; Dr. John- Gris-Gris