00:01 Miner introduces New Zealand native Grant Morris, a writer and DJ on The Zephyr as the interviewer. 00:50 They discuss the origin of his name and his childhood in Mamou. Jocque talks about his band and playing the accordion for eight years. 02:05 Jocque talks about the beginning of his accordion playing. He recalls the accident at a refinery that led to his paralysis as well as his father’s influence on his learning. They discuss how his life would have been different if he had been introduced to accordion playing at an earlier age. 04:20 They discuss his recent popularity and entry onto the Zydeco scene. Morris reads from Jocque’s CD notes about the sudden phenomenon of Beau Joques and the Zydeco Hi Rollers. Jocque recalls his first gig at The Big Hat at Grand Coteau. He mentions Thomas Fields the owner and Kermon Richard the owner of Richard’s Club in Lawtell and their part in his success. Jocque mentions how Scott Billington, founder of Rounder Records heard them and then took them in to record. 06:22 They discuss Jocque’s musical desires and how he intends(ed) to achieve them. Jocque describes his vision to combine the traditional Zydeco with contemporary popular tastes. He refers to MTV, rap, hip hop and blues music as being influential to his music; as well as bands like ZZ Top and Santana. 07:55 Morris asks why others like Zachary Richard and Wayne Toups have tried to do the same but Jocque has succeeded. 09:00 Jocque introduces a new song and describes his next album. He likens the style to Sly and The Family Stone with a Paramount bass guitar and Santana type solos. He talks about the instrumental sounds on the album and his use of a voice box. 11:36 They discuss how he writes music. 12:20 Demonstration – Jocque plays on the accordion and sings. 13:48 Morris asks about the first time he wrote a song. Jocque talks about his childhood influences and his first song ‘Creole Queen’ and the Bayou legend it was based on. 16:20 They discuss his ability to tell a story and master a craft. Jocque talks about his song inspirations. He mentions his idea of a making a video about Big Foot coming to Richard’s Club. 17:37 Morris asks if Jocque would like to own a Zydeco Club. Jocque talks about his plans to buy a place near Eunice, Louisiana with his wife Shelly and his two brothers. 18:47 They discuss his workload, huge popularity and desire to remain close to his family. 19:56 Jocque talks about his plans to tour to London, New York and Seattle. They discuss sudden fame and how he deals with it. 21:03 Morris refers to Jocque’s concert the night before with Boozoo Chavis. Jocque talks about Chavis as being his first introduction to Zydeco music and the effect his concerts had on him. He mentions that he was already familiar with Clifton Chenier. 22:30 Jocque recalls his musical talents in elementary school and his natural ability with learning instruments. 23:00 Morris questions him as to his working relationship with Boozoo Chavis. Jocque describes the necessity of respecting Chavis and not being a threat to his audience in terms of concert proximity. They discuss any rivalry between them and Morris refers to lyrics about Chavis that Jocque wrote. 26:12 Demonstration – Jocque plays ‘Corn Bread’. 26:43 They discuss the differences between a Cajun accordion, the broader range of the one he is playing and the piano accordion he has just bought. 27:48 Jocque talks about wanting to do Clifton Chenier type music in the future and being seen as the future king of Zydeco. He talks about the desire for his fans to be satisfied at his gigs and with his albums. 30:05 Demonstration – Jocque plays and talks about how he writes at home. 33:02 End
