Lisa Haley and her Zydekats, one of the most popular bands to play in Idyllwild, return to the Summer Concert Series on Thursday, July 19.
Like an approaching summer storm front, with intimations of heat lightning and heavy humidity, Haley and her Kats arrive with thunder and the promise of combustion. The storm arrives, settles in, the air is cleansed, the sun breaks through and the dancing begins.
Haley celebrates. It’s as simple as that. Her Louisiana musical gumbo of Cajun, zydeco and world influences is a feast to be experienced with gusto, dancing, joy and exhibitions of exhuberance impossible to contain.
Called “zydecosis,” the intoxicant her music brews, the symptoms begin slowly — a foot starts to tap, little tremors of excitement begin to pulse the body, and before you know it, you’re dancing as you’ve never danced, and everyone around you is joining in. “Zydecosis is contagious,” Haley advises. “Once you experience it, you’re never the same.”
Haley returns celebrating 16 years with her Zydekats and with a new CD release, “Joy Ride,” produced by Grammy award winner Wendy Waldman. “This particular version of the band is amazing,” said Haley of her Kats with new drummer Chris Ross, formerly with Kenny Loggins and first-call studio musician at Capitol Records. Returning are Gigi Rabe, on accordion and vocals and Andy Anders, bass and vocals.
Haley said “Joy Ride” moves more into fusion, incorporating world and Americana roots as musical influences. “By broadening our music into other genres we’re getting more airplay as a result,” she said, “and I think our fans are happy. It’s easier for them to share with friends. It’s more eclectic and consequently more available.”
Haley said that all music evolves and changes from generation to generation and Cajun zydeco is no exception, according to Haley, who said, “Each generation changes the music from what their parents enjoyed.”
Haley believes “Joy Ride” contains some of the most joyous and some of the most thoughtful music she has recorded. One of the songs, “More Than Anything,” Haley wrote after 9/11, with her soldier older brother as inspiration. “This is for all the first responders working behind the scenes to keep us safe, people that we never hear of.”
Lisa Haley and the Zydekats take the Idyllwild Summer Concert Series stage at 7 p.m. Local band Contagion opens at 6:30 p.m.
