Queen Music:

Cookin' with Queen Ida Track Listing:
1. Zydeco - Queen Ida, Chenier, Clifton
2. Gator Man - Queen Ida, Guillory, Myrick
3. C'Est Moi
4. Love Is the Answer
5. La Bas Two Step - Queen Ida, Guillory
6. I-10 Express
7. Dancing on the Bayou - Queen Ida, Ayo, Albert
8. The Rangers Waltz
9. Hard Headed Woman - Queen Ida, Simmonds, Kim
10. Lady Be Mine

Editorial Review:
If Clifton Chenier is the King of Zydeco, the Queen Ida is surely its Queen. Although she was born in Louisiana, Ida Guillory has been the reigning zydeco player on the west coast thanks to the fact that she moved to San Francisco as a teenager. Although she didn't seriously take up the accordion until middle age, Ida's star rose quickly, partly due to the fact that she is the only woman performer in what up until her appearance was a genre dominated by men. Recorded in 1989, this is her finest album, showing off her aggressive, fun-loving approach to what she lovingly refers to as "Chanky Chank" music. Blessed with a strong voice which she shows off in tunes like "C'est moi," Ida's bluesy brand of zydeco is unique. --Robert Baird

Cookin' with Queen Ida Reviews:
Hot and spicy!
2006-09-29 - Spirited good-time music by the "Queen of Zydeco" and her son. "Cookin' With Queen Ida" features Ida Guillory and Myrick "Freeze" Guillory on vocals and accordions, ably backed up by Ida's brother, "Chilly Willy" Lewis, Bernard Anderson on sax, violinist James Hurley, and others. Zydeco is a mid-twentieth century fusion of Louisiana Creole and Cajun dance music with elements of blues and R&B. Queen Ida and Freeze (who, himself, wrote half the songs on the album) add their own distintive blend of rock, latin and Caribbean elements to the blend, producing a spicy pot of gumbo sure to bring any audience to its feet. Freeze's smooth, mellow voice provides a nice contrast to his mother's smoky vocals. The additions of violin and sax are a nice touch in some of the songs, and the complex, ever-present rhythms of the metal rub-board (frottoire) give a delightful, sparkling energy to their music. I was fortunate enough to see this program live on tour; it was a great show and makes for great listening on CD too! I never tire of it. Queen Ida has at least eight other albums out too. And for more Louisiana spirit and soul, try the Cajun stylings of Michael Doucet and Beausoleil, and also the Bayou Bandits--a lively group dedicated to keeping the Cajun spirit alive and well in the northeast (visit their website!).


A Nothing Fancy that keeps you moving...
2001-03-14 - There is nothing extraordinary about this album. It lays down pretty traditional Zydeco tunes, but if that's your bag, you'll probably appreciate this as an addition to your collection. Queen Ida's scratchy old cat vocals make the Zydeco swinging even more playful and lively. The band combines well with her voice. The rhythm is quick and terrific to dance to. The tracks aren't remarkable, but they're quite a bit of fun.