Bonne Musique Zydeco
Bonne Musique Zydeco (BMZ), literally "good zydeco music," is a 6-member band specializing in the Creole music of Louisiana and east Texas. BMZ draws upon the style of traditional Cajun and Creole musicians, and the influences of the blues and New Orleans artists of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s to create a blend of music designed for dancing.
Bervick J. Deculus, a native of Louisiana, bass player and leader of BMZ, founded the band in 1991. He is carrying on the tradition of his well-known family, which includes internationally recognized, Grammy Award winners Queen Ida and Al Rapone, and the innovative Beau Jocque, a circuit to draw in the area between New Orleans and Houston, who also gained international popularity before his early death in 1999.
BMZ has featured several accomplished accordionists and recording artists, namely, Al Rapone, Willis Prudhomme, Jo Jo Reed, Christopher P. Ardoin and Bryant Keith Broussard. Many of these artists are featured on BMZ’s first recorded CD, Gumbo Mix. BMZ still enjoys arranging performances with these Louisiana musicians.
BMZ has gained a strong reputation on the West Coast for bringing native Louisianans and people of all ages and cultures out to dance. The band plays at a variety of private parties and social events, community dances, cultural festivals, and local Cajun/Creole restaurants.
The members of BMZ are all veteran Los Angeles musicians, including Dennis Gurwell - accordion and vocals, Billy Butler - drums, vocals and rubboard, Gregg Wright – lead guitar and vocals, Norman Weatherly – Keyboard, Andre Allen - drums and B.J. Deculus - bass and vocals. Each member has extensive experience playing a variety of musical styles with renowned artists.
We also provide Jazz through our subsidiary band:
Vernon Clifford Brown Jazz .
You may contact Mr. Brown at the following email: vernonclifford@comcast.net.
Vernon Brown is also a music teacher – The Vernon Clifford Brown Modern also a music teacher – The Vernon Clifford Brown Modern Music Program. Should you need music lesson for any instrument or vocals, visit his Web site at: http://community.webtv.net/VernonBrown/TheVernonClifford