pt at large:

December 29, 2017

Horace Trahan at La Poussiere, Breaux Bridge LA

Horace Trahan and The Ossun Express
La Poussiere Dance Hall
Breaux Bridge, LA
December 29, 2017

Horace Trahan and The Ossun Express is one tight band tonight. Horace is a big guy so when he stands tall with his band mates left and right, he’s the anchor on stage.

He may be known for playful songs like “That Butt Thing” published early in his career but more often than not, he’s singing not just to us but also about us. “Keep Walking” released in 2010 is all of that.

Horace’s music is often characterized by themes of human connection, bonds between people and what, on some occasions, might be called sermons set to music.

Don’t get me wrong. He’s making any dance crowd very happy with a range of zydeco, two steps, waltzes and what Herman Fusilier calls ‘belly rubbin’ music.” (Fabulous smoky blues) complete with riffs by saxophone player Doug Garb.

Horace Trahan is an old school accordion player. He stands at center stage, no wasted motions, sings one song after another, and keeps patter at a minimum.

So, when he gives an extended introduction to a song, you listen up. I couldn’t hear his words from the back of La Poussiere’s dance floor and made my way toward the stage. Here comes “Seven Spanish Angels,” written in 1984 and sung by Ray Charles and Willie Nelson on Ray Charles album titled “Friendship.”

Musically, the song, with its lovely Mexican accordion flourishes played by Horace, is unlike any other song in his catalog. But the theme – love, loyalty, redemption - is right up Horace’s alley. Horace arranges to have the whole band sing the lyrics together, a Zydeco choir in full voice.

The gauzy lyrics invite you to make up your own narrative about the man, the woman, their desperate situation, and those Seven Spanish Angels.

Contemplating end of life isn't one of my favorite topics but when it's time, it's a toss up between a brass band or those Seven Spanish Angels to take me home.

James Prejean, bass; Rodney Bernard, rub board; Shane Bernard, drums; Horace Trahan, accordion; Doug Garb, saxophone/flute; Gabriel Perrodin,Jr. (aka "Pandy"), guitar.