Their name "Pontchartrain Shakers" comes from playing music, living , and working on both sides of Lake Pontchartrain. One of New Orleans favorite live bands, the Pontchartrain Shakers reflect generations of musicians deeply immersed within the timeless traditions of Louisiana musicology . Amedee "A5" Frederick, son of Amedee "Creole Man " Frederick, and  Jojjo Wight , guitar virtuoso and multi-instrumentalist , are lifelong friends , musicians , and now partners , dishing out the flavorful etouffee that  is a joyful celebration of cajun and creole music traditions. Listening to the Ponchartrain Shakers over and over again,as I travel this summer, has been a  good time , every listen bringing a bit of "Lagniappe" , a little something extra , and I most certainly found my hands and feet moving of their own accord .  Music as mixed as the people who created it - French and African , country and folk , rock n' roll , gospel  , American-Indian, Irish,Scottish and Spanish-a note-worthy roux rich and thick , savory and delicious .

            Much like the bayou itself - those winding and mysterious waterways , steeped in folklore and legend - the music of the "Pontchartrain Shakers'' is captivating and enchanting . Filled with plenty of humor , infectious rhythms , and plenty of soul the music dishes up a delectable maque-choux that is satisfyingly unpredictable and delightfully flavorful -  Amedee -"...we just take everyday emotions like love, loss, triumphs, overcoming tribulations, enjoyment, wants and desires , and let it fly in the air..."

               Listening to fun tracks like "I Need A Creole Woman"("Tuesday you know we have leftovers,that's alright/I like 'em better the next day anyway...Make it sound,make it feel, make it taste just like New Orleans.") , "Dead Snake Blues"("Well,I go into the snake room,I got to take a look..."Snake Room?" Doesn't everyone have one ?) and "Cain Snake" ( classic blues with some excellent guitar work) just scratch the surface of  how remarkably talented these folks are . "Louisiana 1927" is a cover of the classic composition from Randy Newman , often covered , but here  , the beautiful vocal from Amedee takes over , heart-wrenching and soul gripping , as powerful a performance as a tropical cyclone. "Time To Make A Change" uses the lyrics,"There's a hurricane in my house" as a metaphor for overcoming drug addiction . "Miss You Baby" features a beautifully gripping vocal from Jojjo ; "We need Love" has a sweet , soulful vibe ; and "A5 Boogie" is a song with a powerful environmental message framed by the disappointment of having the waters that they were going to fish now found to be polluted; and "We Need Love" rings  loudly  with Jojjo singing out with a call to treat each other well -"We need love,love in our hearts...brothers and sisters better keep on giving, we need love, love, love in our souls..."

             The band is perfectly in sync , accompanying guitar solos are terrific ; supporting keys are first-rate ; the driving  bass is the engine pushing the flow forward; and the drums provide the perfect heartbeat for every pulsating moment .The vocals are the cafe au lait alongside the musical beignets offered here .  An outstanding debut from a band I am very happy to discover , and thrilled to share with everyone out there. Eagerly awaiting more outstanding music from the Pontchartrain Shakers in the near future. Hoping to see this high-energy outfit on stage sometime soon.Pick this one up and get ready to dance !  They certainly bring the party everywhere they go!

Written by John Muller