Z-FUNK

Z FUNK is arguably Europe’s premier Zydeco band. No other band this side of the Atlantic has managed so successfully to purvey the deep grooves and electric energy of this infectious accordion-led dance music native to South-West Louisiana. The individual members have extraordinary pedigrees in the world of roots music, and are in regular demand for appearances with visiting Louisiana Zydeco stars.

The roots of Z FUNK can be traced back to the late 80s, when the burgeoning UK Cajun & Zydeco scene began to flourish in response to the new wave of cutting edge acts springing up in south-west Louisiana.

Gavin Lewery (accordion/vocals) and Tommy Mills (bass/vocals) recruited Sue Warren (scrubboard/vocals), Mark ‘Chilli’ Watkin (guitar/vocals) and Mickey Jones (drums/vocals) in a collective they named Zydeco Active, and quickly established themselves as frontrunners in the Zydeco genre and a popular attraction on the European Festival circuit.

After the sad passing of guitarist Chilli in 2000, the band regrouped as Z FUNK, taking the music in new adventurous directions which weren’t always popular with Zydeco purists. However, they returned to their roots when Harold Guillory (of Lake Charles Louisiana-based Chris Ardoin & Double Clutchin’) toured the UK and Europe with them in 2004, and wowed audiences with their funky dance grooves, stellar musicianship and energetic stage show.

In 2008 Z-Funk are stronger than ever with the line-up now comprising of Gavin, Tommy, Dave Luke (guitar/vocals), Sioned Camlin (scrubboard/vocals) and Andy Watson (drums/vocals). The offers of gigs and festival appearances in the UK and Europe are pouring in and Z-Funk are poised to make this their busiest and most successful year yet.

They are, in my opinion and others, The Top Party Dance Band. But don't take it from me: call for a demo CD Now.

Audio Tracks

They are exclusive and available for your corporate function or Party (With given notice.) In Summer they tour with the above pictured Harold Guillory; who has his own T.V. show. Louisiana Live.

Harold Guillory from Lake Charles, Louisiana joined Gavin Lewery and Zfunk for his first gig on his brief tour of the UK. Harold plays scrubboard with his cousin's band, Chris Ardoin and Double Clutchin.

I'd read the write up on his powerful scrubboard style and showmanship but this did not prepare me for one of the most enjoyable evenings I have had for a long time, dancing to Zydeco in the UK. Harold is truly an amazing performer, he has incredible energy and an amazing voice. At one point he broke into a few lines from a Sam Cooke classic, singing unaccompanied, and I would have loved to hear the full version.

One moment he was on the stage whipping up the band, the next he was on the floor dancing with the audience. He has a delightful personality which shines through, as does the love of his music and culture, just what you would expect from the amazing Ardoin family. I have never met one of them that I didn't immediately warm to.

Zfunk or Zeefunk as Harold calls them, rose to the occasion. Gavin and the boys were superb, playing a variety of Zydeco standards. It was obvious that Gavin was enjoying giving his accordion a tough work out. Guitarists Tommy and Dave were excellent as always, with good vocal contributions from both of them and Micky Jones is one of the very few UK drummers, I think, that can really crack the double clutchin' rythmn. I love to watch his facial expression when he plays - he gives it his all.