Zydeco And Conversations
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
Lil Nate Williams reached his audience in a number of ways Saturday afternoon, connecting with Zydeco-laden sounds from different accordions while providing relaxed musical discussions that described his approach to music.
As featured artist for the monthly Capitol Jam session at the St. Landry Parish Tourist Center, Williams sang and entertained using traditional French and Creole songs and performing with the help of rubboard legend Earl Sally, a bass player and a fiddle accompanist.
However Williams, whose musical knowledge ranges from family roots to post graduate collegiate courses, talked about his musical background, professional career, accordion identification and the Zydeco genre which he said has the ability to regenerate depending upon the era.
The small crowd on Saturday, which included a couple from Iowa that spent the last few months in Louisiana, were provided with mini tutorials where Lil Nate explained his methods of engaging those who arrive to hear him perform and demonstrating the different musical keys available on accordions.
His grandparents, Lil Nate explained, were predominantly Creole and their language and customs he said, will always be embedded in his music.
With a Master’s degree in jazz studies from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and his own band, Williams said he has the ability to play using chords, scales and notes and read the musical notes that are incorporated into his eclectic presentations which include R&B, hip-hop, swing out and African pop.
Many Zydeco musicians past and present, Williams said, have played primarily by ear, without knowledge of musical theory or the ability to read musical notes.
“A lot of musicians don’t know the keys and who are playing all over the world. That doesn’t make them any less of a musician if they are unable to read music and play by ear.
“If you are playing to make money, then play what you want,” Williams said.
Whenever you are on stage, Williams it will be necessary to possess the musical skills that reach a variety of audiences.
Williams remembers having to think creatively once when he and his band members were playing at a Latin festival that wasn’t that familiar with his repertoire.
“Sometimes you have to think outside that box. I had some things in my song list that had a little Latin influence in it and that seemed to help us in that situation,” Williams said.
Williams said he sees no evidence of Zydeco music becoming defunct.
“There is a lot of longevity going on with Zydeco. People can’t get enough of Zydeco and the Cajun culture. There have been multiple generations playing it and musicians including myself who are out there to help keep the name going,” said Williams.
Clifton Chenier, who Williams thinks might be the greatest accordion player ever, placed elements of Chuck Berry-inspired music that was popular at that time.
Initially the Zydeco and French songs were about picking cotton and growing beans and potatoes, something that Williams said he knows nothing about.
Since then electronic influences that include sound synthesization have elevated performances to a different level.
Zydeco Williams pointed out, is about fusing popular music and playing it on the accordion and the evolving sounds he said, are dependent upon the musical era.
It’s also helpful to have an in-depth musical catalog, Williams said.
Once while playing as an act complementing a Steve Miller Band concert, Williams said he was asked what songs he planned to play.
His response was surprising to those who asked, said Williams.
“I told them I didn’t know what I was going to play. It depends upon who’s in the crowd. You need to see who’s in the crowd, their ages and where you’re at. My band knows about 500 songs, so we can adapt,” Williams added.
Williams said his overall knowledge assisted when incorporating and playing Zydeco in halftime shows, like those he once helped arrange with the Southern and Grambling bands.
It was a teaching experience, Williams pointed out, as he had to help orchestrate the performance and explain the assimilation of the accordion with the different instruments used by the bands.
His road from emerging as a son of Nathan Williams who was backed by the Zydeco Cha Chas and then owning the path to his current professional status is something he wouldn’t change, said Williams.
“I’d do it again, playing for the trail rides on weekends, the tailgating parties and obtaining the education that I have. All that I would do again, but I know I wouldn’t be able to keep playing or keep progressing if I didn’t know my (musical) theory or my scales,” said Williams.
