NORWICH – First it was a taste of rock and soul thanks to Eric Lindell, followed by the legendary big band sound of the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Next up? That unique musical genre that provides southern Louisiana with a signature soundtrack all its own, known worldwide as zydeco. That’s what’s in store on Thursday when the Chenango Blues Association presents the third installment of its annual Summer Concert Series, featuring Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha-Chas from 7 to 9 p.m. in West Park.
Featuring lead man Nathan Williams on accordion, guitarist Dennis Paul Williams (his brother), Mark Williams on rubboard (his cousin) and a re-configured drums and bass rhythm section, the band will perform its worldly blend of zydeco-flavored roots music, guaranteed – according to the accomplished accordion player – to get people up and dancing.
Influenced and inspired by the likes of zydeco legends Clifton Chenier and Buckwheat Zydeco since he was a child, Williams explained that zydeco’s appeal is in its diversity and unique combination of musical genres, whether it’s blues, funk, soul or even rock-n-roll. Mix all that with a little New Orleans’ Cajun flavor and you’ve got a recipe for success.
According to the accordion player and songwriter, he and his band (many of its members have been with him for over a decade now) are excited for their return to Norwich.
“It feels good ... it’s a good time over there and we enjoy the people,” stated Williams. “We enjoy playing all over and making people happy.”
The band currently has a number of projects in the works, he added, including both live and studio releases. The music, as usual, is unique not only for its zydeco roots, but Williams’ take on the genre itself.
“I’m a songwriter ... I have a different style,” said Williams. “The way I perform it, the way I record it, it comes from the heart. It comes from the inside out.”
According to Chenango Blues Association Board President Eric Larsen, Williams and his band are one of the best zydeco outfits currently touring the country. And people shouldn’t be surprised if the group looks familiar, he added, as they’ve been a fixture at the Summer Concert Series shows over the years.
“People may remember him, he’s played here before and he’s very popular,” said Larsen. “They like to mix it up and play songs from different genres, giving it that zydeco spin. It’s a great show.”
Larsen added that he and the Blues Association typically try to include a zydeco act every year for the Summer Concert Series. It is, for many, the only chance they’ll have to catch a zydeco act. With that in mind, he said he hopes people plan on coming down for what’s sure to be an enjoyable – and entertaining – evening of music and community.
As for Thursday night’s performance, Williams said people can “expect a party.”
“They better bring their dance shoes, I’m socking it to them,” he warned. “We’re going have a good time.”
The two remaining Summer Concert Series performances will feature funk-soul rockers J.J. Grey & Mofro, from 7 to 9 on Aug. 4 in West Park, and the New Riders of the Purple Sage, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 9 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds.
In the event of inclement weather, Thursday night’s performance will be held at the Chenango County Council of the Arts, 27 West Main St. For more information on the Chenango Blues Fest visit www.chenangobluesfest.org. For information on Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha-Chas visit www.zydecochachas.com.