Biography
It seems highly likely that no other zydeco ensemble serves as the house band for Muppets Tonight. The perspective of this ensemble stems largely from its leader Doug Legacy, whose accordion work once contributed to the now-disbanded Oingo Boingo. Legacy currently leads his Los Angeles group, whose moniker indicates its focus on zydeco-infused party sounds, from the front with his accordion.
Core members comprise Mark Shark handling guitar, mandolin, and vocals; Rick Eckstein providing bass and vocals; and Gary Ray on drums. Louisiana native Lynn Coulter contributes percussion, while Freebo occasionally joins on bass. Their output blends elements of R&B, swamp pop, funk, country, and zydeco.
Though based far from Louisiana, the ensemble draws album titles from that state's traditions. Its debut album from 1994, King Cake Party, nods to the seasonal Carnival pastry. Since the king cake anchors local festivities, the collection features dance numbers like "Cakewalk," "He Hates His Threads," and "Zydeco Shoes" suited to such events. The 1996 follow-up Dancin' on the Levee continues the regional motif through tracks including the title song "Flambeau," "Cajun Lady," and "Rad Gumbo."
Mardi Gras Mambo takes its name from a number familiar throughout Louisiana amid Carnival. The remaining selections mix compositions by figures ranging from Bob Dylan to Clifton Chenier alongside contributions from Shark and Legacy, all rendered energetically. Given the group's preference for celebratory material, its lively take on "Bon Temps Roulez" might serve as an anthem.
Core members comprise Mark Shark handling guitar, mandolin, and vocals; Rick Eckstein providing bass and vocals; and Gary Ray on drums. Louisiana native Lynn Coulter contributes percussion, while Freebo occasionally joins on bass. Their output blends elements of R&B, swamp pop, funk, country, and zydeco.
Though based far from Louisiana, the ensemble draws album titles from that state's traditions. Its debut album from 1994, King Cake Party, nods to the seasonal Carnival pastry. Since the king cake anchors local festivities, the collection features dance numbers like "Cakewalk," "He Hates His Threads," and "Zydeco Shoes" suited to such events. The 1996 follow-up Dancin' on the Levee continues the regional motif through tracks including the title song "Flambeau," "Cajun Lady," and "Rad Gumbo."
Mardi Gras Mambo takes its name from a number familiar throughout Louisiana amid Carnival. The remaining selections mix compositions by figures ranging from Bob Dylan to Clifton Chenier alongside contributions from Shark and Legacy, all rendered energetically. Given the group's preference for celebratory material, its lively take on "Bon Temps Roulez" might serve as an anthem.
Albums
