FUNKY, SOULFUL ZYDECO

Band: Terrance Simien & the Mallet Playboys.

Personnel: Simien, accordion, vocals; Sherman Robertson, guitar; John (Pop) Esprite, bass; Earl Salley, rub-board; Roy (Chubby) Carrier, drums.

History: Simien, 21, grew up in the heart of Cajun country in Mallet, La., but initially shied away from the traditional zydeco music because it was so common there. He sang in church and listened to soul and disco until he started attending zydeco dances at 14 and decided to take up accordion. Simien got his first professional experience playing hometown gigs as a high school senior. Salley joined the Mallet Playboys late in 1983 and school buddy Esprite came aboard three years ago. Robertson, a veteran of Clifton Chenier’s and Rockin’ Dopsie’s bands, joined prior to the group’s European tour three months ago, as did Carrier. A performance at the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans opened the door for Simien to begin touring the East Coast in 1985. Two years of roadwork have won the Mallet Playboys some big-name friends--the group was one of the three zydeco bands Paul Simon considered using on “Graceland,” and Simien will arrive here fresh from opening five Northern California dates for Los Lobos. The Mallet Playboys also perform two songs in the forthcoming movie “The Big Easy.” A few self-financed singles are Simien’s only records, but a deal with the Alligator label may be in the offing.

Sound: Simien may be perfectly positioned to capitalize on the current rage for all things Cajun. His performances feature raucous, upbeat zydeco in the classic vein, but with a funky soul flavor rather than the ‘50s R&B;/rock ‘n’ roll touches of the zydeco old guard. Another reason Simien is highly touted is the band’s energetic showmanship. Simien throws himself into the performance with exuberant abandon--imagine rock guitar-hero moves applied to the accordion. And the long, lean Salley is no slouch himself when it comes to movin’ and groovin’. Expect to dance and sweat.

Show: Friday at the Music Machine