Curley Taylor, Zydeco Trouble introduce music genre to Gallup
According to Louisanatravels.com, the early Zydeco music genre is a blend of Louisiana-French accordion music and Afro-Caribbean beats. It takes influence from Creole, Cajun, gospel and the blues, along with other genres. It almost always includes an accordion.
And now, Gallup citizens will be able to witness this style of music on July 2 at the Levitt Amp Concert Series, when Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble come to town.
Louisiana native Taylor has been around music all his life. In an interview with the Sun, he explained that he was born into a musical family and that the drums was his first instrument. He began playing the drums in his dad’s band, Jude Taylor and the Burning Flames, at 16 years old.
“Music was always around me,” Taylor said.
Taylor was able to tour with some of Louisiana’s musical legends, including CC Adcock, Steve Riley, John Hart, and CJ Chenier. While he was touring with Chenier’s band, he picked up the accordion.
In 2003, Taylor launched his own band, Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble. Now, almost 20 years and three albums later, Taylor said he’s excited to introduce the zydeco genre to Gallup.
“I’m looking forward to making new fans and making new friends,” he said.
Taylor said his favorite part of being a musician is introducing people to a genre they may have never heard before.
“Some people may not know what they’re about to experience. They’re waiting to see what’s going to happen, and I get a lot of joy out of putting a smile on their face,” Taylor said. “They didn’t know what they were going to get, but [then] they love it.”
The band will be performing as a part of the Levitt Amp Concert Series on July 2. The concert starts at 6 pm at the Courthouse Square. The event is free to the public.
“We’re looking forward to the whole city coming out and having a good time. Put your dancing shoes on, we’re gonna have a great time.”
By Molly Ann Howell
Sun Correspondent
