New Genre Of Zydeco-Funk Began With Li’l Brian, Zydeco Travelers

You’ve all heard of P-Funk.

It’s the deep elastic funk rhythm established by none other than the king of funk himself, George Clinton.

But what about Z-Funk.

You probably haven’t heard that term used a whole lot, if at all. Which isn’t a big surprise.

Z-Funk stands for zydeco-funk.

No kidding.

Zydeco and funk are probably two words you wouldn’t think to use in the same sentence, or even the same paragraph. Yet, the genre actually exists.

One band is responsible for this new development: Li’l Brian and the Zydeco Travelers. The six-piece Houston Comb will bring its bold, cutting edge sound to the Bayou Brewing Company tonight and Saturday.

Li’l Brian (Brian Terry, vocals/accordion) and the Zydeco Travelers have achieved a lot of firsts, in addition to being the first band to marry zydeco and funk.

The band marks the first time a rapper (Third Leg) is used in the mix. It’s also the first time a zydeco band injects heavy doses of reggae and ska into zydeco music. And, it’s the first time in a long time that the accordion actually sounds cool.

All of these ingredients are poured into the band’s latest and most definitive album, “Z-Funk.”

“It’s modern, in a class by itself,” Terry recently told a reporter. “We’re bringing tradition into the ‘90s, giving it a cutting edge. We want to compete with more mainstream styles of music.”

The band, which is ambitious all around, just might get its wish as it continues to make headway.

Li’l Brian and the Zydeco Travelers have released “Z-Funk” on a high-profile, well-respected indie label, Rounder Records. They’ve drawn the interest of critics. Perhaps what’s most telling is they’ve been pulling in capacity crowds across the land.

“We want to be the biggest thing to hit zydeco music,” the vocalist says. “We want to open a whole other door, a new era.”

The door has obviously been opened, but whether that will translate into commercial success remains to be seen. But if there’s any band that’s capable of rocketing zydeco into pop music, it’s the ultra-modern Li’l Brian and the Zydeco Travelers.

As you’d expect from a Southern-fried band, Li’l Brian and company have been regularly turning night clubs into sweat lodges with their high-octane show.

“It’s a lot of energy and crowd participation. Expect the unexpected,” Terry says.

“It just gets wild,” he continues. “We’re a wild bunch of guys eager to put zydeco in the forefront … (and) go to the limit and touch people’s hearts.”

Li’l Brian and the Zydeco Travelers play in the Fat Tuesday’s Lounge at the Bayou at 8 p.m.

The Monas, RIP

The local music scene has lost yet another original music band. This week, it’s the Monas. After its last hurrah tonight at Ichabod’s North, the band will bow out.

The Monas, three parts female and one part male, arrived in the clubs last year, crowing a hardy onslaught of grrrl rock.

Their March 8, 1996, show opening for Steel Wool, the Fumes and the Flies, was perhaps most memorable in that a full house of jaded scenesters rewarded their effort with a cold shoulder. Perhaps they thought it uncool of the Monas to mix L7 and Seven Year Bitch covers with their own songs.

And now, one year later, the band has yet to command the respect of the fickle local music scene, even if it is deserving.

Opening bands are Boycott and Chattanooga. Music starts at 10 p.m. The cover is $3.

Like your music heavy?

Outback Jack’s will detonate a fistful of dynamite on stage tonight with two Portland bands - Floater and Glass Chunk - and a local group - Cotton Mouth Inc.

Floater forges metal-driven rock. Glass Chunk purveys funk-inflected rock. And Cotton Mouth Inc. does a little bit of each and then some.

Floater’s following continues to grow in the region as radio play on mainstream rock stations, including KNJY in Spokane (Z-Rock), persists.

Music starts at 9:30 p.m. The cover is $5 at the door.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo