JABO

Texas Prince of Zydeco

 

Known as the “Texas Prince of Zydeco,” JABO's mixture of  the soul of Blues with the foot tapping rhythms of Zydeco, has made him a force to be recognized in both genres of music! This "squeezebox" player is not only a master accordionist, but former blues drummer, talented singer and consumate band leader. 


Jabo is  a spiritual man whose affection for Zydeco and Blues has inspired him to fuse the two-- creating a fusion of sound--often in collaboration with other talented artists like the legendary blues stylings of Rue Davis and the young-blood talent of Lil' Jabb.  The end result is a a show that takes audiences to a height of excitement, they can't help but join in on the fun!


Jabo, a quiet, humble man, started singing and playing drums at the age of 8 and, like most artists of the time, was deeply rooted in the church. By his teens he was performing both with both Blues and Zydeco artists. He was inspired and influenced by such greats as Joe Simon, Boo Zoo Chavis; Rockin’ Sidney; Clifton Chenier; Bobby Blue Bland; B.B. King and a host of others.


JABO has graced the cover of Texas Monthly Magazine and has been featured in the Houston Chronicle and numerous Zydeco and Blues magazines. In 1988, while working on a project, he met and later teamed up with the late great, "Meistro"  Calvin Owens.  Calvin was BB King's former orchestra conductor.  Jabo was consequently featured on several of the Calvin Owens Blues Orchestra albums.


JABO has performed with or opened for such legendary artists as Bobby Blue Bland; Rockin Sidney; Johnnie Taylor; Tyrone Davis, Rue Davis; and many othes. In 2005, he released an album titled “Zydeco Around the Town” which has received rave reviews. In 2007, the single, “You Didn’t Hurt Me” written by Rue Davis and performed with the Calvin Owens Blues Orchestra hit #4 on the music charts.  Jabo's album titled “Texas Prince of Zydeco” has been available on Amazon.com for years. His newly released album "Zydeco Tramp" features the music and voices of Lil Jabb & Triple Krown as well as the legendary blues man Rue Davis.


Today, JABO continues to amaze audiences of all sizes--from intimate clubs to large auditoriums -- with his high energy, qiet professionalism and showmanship--not to mention the reactions to his powerful fusion of the high energy of Zydeco and the soulful moan of the Blues.


 

Jabo, Lil Jabb



Rue Davis