Ever since Chubby Carrier won a Grammy in 2010, he hasn’t had to beat his brains out on the road to make a living. Since the bulk of his gigs are now around Acadiana, it only made sense to target the zydeco dance pack instead of the nationally known blues-rock clubs, which explains the title’s rootsy retro concept. And ever since Chris Ardoin moved his Lake Charles operations down the road from Carrier, it only made sense to collaborate on a few songs, five of which appear here. Originally, the sunny “Another Pretty Face” was slated to be a duet but when that didn’t work, Ardoin played the accordion part instead. (Incidentally, Ardoin played the bulk of the instruments while Carrier played accordion and drummed on three tracks.)

Overall, it’s got some of the trappings of an Ardoin record, especially given the relentless drum attack and the modern R&B touch on keys that could come up in the mix, along with the vocals. Only in a few places does Carrier’s accordion playing sound of old, his typical 1-4-5 blues chord progression. Instead it’s often old-time zydeco based with two chords (“Zydeco People”). In terms of tempos, “Carrier 2 Step” may seem like it’s pushing the sound barrier but then again, it’s no faster than the instrumental hot ones Clifton Chenier played as a duo with a rubboard player. Hit tunes “Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher” and “Stand By Me” fit the concept since those were sung in the household while growing up. It’s a different kind of Carrier record but then again, how many more times can the hot sauce be stolen?