Sam Brothers 5 – S.A.M. (Get Down)

Hot Zydeco Music in de beste Clifton Chenier-traditie. Je kunt de Sam Brothers 5 de Jackson Five of Zydeco noemen. Ze waren in 1979 toen dit album werd opgenomen tussen de 11 en de 17 jaar oud.

Hot Zydeco Music. Although because of their name and ages - 11 through 17 when this was recorded - you might want to call them the Jackson Five of Zydeco, but make no mistake, this is rock solid, dance party, get down Zydeco in the Clifton Chenier tradition. In fact, in the 1970's they were Clifton's major competition in rural Louisiana.
Featuring Blues, two steps, waltzes, Zydeco dance grooves, and the lead cut, S.A.M., a late 70's modern, R&B dance cut... dare we say funk/disco (on Arhoolie ?)! Whatever, this is a classic album, recorded in 1979. Also, featuring two cuts with their dad Herbert Sam.

Track Listing:
1. S.A.M. (Get Down) - 4:09   2. Lafayette Special - 2:01   3. La La Waltz - 2:32   4. Hey, Mama - 2:38   5. Roll Me Baby - 3:29   6. Good Rockin’s Boogie - 4:06   7. Going Down to Big Mary - 2:29   8. Sugar Cane Patch - 2:32   9. I'm a Hog for You - 3:25   10. Lafayette Zydeco - 2:10   11. Country Boy - 3:49   12. S.B.5 - 2:15 

Personnel:
Leon Sam (vocals, accordion) , Carl Sam (guitar) , Glen Sam (bass) , Rodney Sam (drums) , Calvin Sam (rub-board) , Herbert Sam (vocal, accordion on 4,6)

Reviews:

1. OffBeat - Dan Willging 
“The funky first track, ‘Sam 5,’ leverages their Jackson Five tag by being more akin to them than anything zydeco.  It’s a catchy way to get started with Leon riding on keys, Carl’s riveting guitar work, the quick-stopping percussive rappings and tappings, and of course the ‘S-A-M Sam’ and ‘get down’ shoutings.  It’s all zydeco after that, old school by today’s standards, with piano-note accordionist Leon’s incredible finger-rockin’ action and infinite note-clashing.”