Ernest James bought his first accordion in the dark recesses of a greasy Texas Bar. “It’s a damn good accordion for German Polkas” the old man said handing it over.” “No polkas for me” Ernest replied. Ernest was determined to play Blues and Rock & Roll on the accordion and thus began his relationship with Zydeco!
While honoring the tradition of Zydeco and the giants of the past, Ernest recreates the sound with a burst of high energy and genre bending artistry. While relying on a deep steady groove, Ernest’s music reaches far beyond a straight up two-step.
After years of traveling the south, the west coast and the plains, Ernest settled in Vermont and quickly found local veteran musicians that could relate to his style. The band consists of Ernest James on accordion, Jeff Salisbury (drums), Noah Hahn (bass), Jay Ekis (guitar), and Troy Turner (rub board).