Who says rural Creole accordion music, the sound that gave birth to zydeco, has to be French songs from the early 20th century? Not Creole United, a collection of three generations of Creole and zydeco artists whose pedigree ranges from young upstarts to the some of the music’s most historic names.

The lineup is indeed stellar: Lawrence Ardoin and his son Sean, descendants of Creole accordion great Amedé Ardoin; and Jeffery Broussard, son of the legendary Delton Broussard, who helped usher in the modern era with Zydeco Force before returning to his roots with his current band, the Creole Cowboys.

The band also includes Edward Poullard, who is one of the few black Creole fiddlers remaining. Poullard studied with a pioneer, the late Canray Fontenot, and teaches at cultural camps throughout the country. Accordionist Andre Thierry has lived up to the prodigy blessing bestowed on him by zydeco king Clifton Chenier. Only three years removed from high school, Rusty Metoyer is adeptly absorbing all their lessons.

These band leaders come together to make music they describe as “non jamais fait,” French for “never been done.” The CD’s 10 songs are all new Creole, bi-lingual and English songs, with flavors of the past, yet are fresh for a new generation.

Slow numbers like “Please Come Back” and “Timeout Waltz” are filled with old-style accordion, fiddle and triangle that would make Amedé Ardoin proud. But younger generations can appreciate the harmonies and kick-drum beats on “Every Day the Same” and “Slow Down Man.”

Clifton Chenier lovers can sway to Thierry’s masterful piano accordion and the simply titled “Mmm Mmm Mmm,” a tune dripping with juke joint. The ad-lib feel of “This Time” points the way toward modern zydeco.

Creole United lives up to the title of its debut CD. There’s plenty here to hope they do it again.