The review from a northeastern newspaper, circa 1989, refers to the "wild-haired, barefoot man playing accordion, wearing a sleeveless Guardian Angels T-shirt and beat-up jeans." Terrance Simien must have been in town.

Since Simien and his Mallet Playboys broke out of Southwest Louisiana nearly 10 years ago with a hard-charging, soulful brand of zydeco, he has sustained himself with a reputation for over-the-top, sweaty performances and near-constant touring.

Three year...