Lisa Haley and the Zydekats have put out a solid album with the release of
Waiting for the Sky.... This album has some
traditional zydeco along with some of
Lisa Haley's own material. The original music from the album has a full, rocking, powerful sound that's guaranteed to get people on their feet. The first tune on the album,
"Don't You Tell Your Mother," is an original number with some tight breaks. It was heavily influenced by one of
Lisa Haley's teachers and her honorary adopted father,
Joe Simien. The next tune,
"Genevieve," another original, has a sound similar to an old
Clifton Chenier song, with its solid,
traditional,
Cajun feel. Some have compared
Lisa Haley's vocals to those of the soulful
Janis Joplin. Others have found her sound very close to those sultry vocals of
Cher. The choice for a favorite song from this album is difficult, since all of the tracks have their own genuine appeal, but one's options might be narrowed down to three songs:
"Louisiana, Sing Me Home," an original by
Lisa Haley, with its beautiful melody and strong lyrics, could be the state song for Louisiana; second runner up to that is the fun
traditional "Crawfish Song," complete with a bit of history on this tasty little critter. The third favorite is also a
traditional piece,
"Fifi Poncho," which features some of the finest fiddle playing by that girl with the blue fiddle,
Lisa Haley. Those who have listened to
"Waiting for the Sky..." have been bitten by the Zyde-cosis bug and will be waiting for their next fix from
Lisa Haley and the Zydekats. ~ Larry Belanger
