The Band
Zydeco Flames’ reputation as the West Coast's
premiere Zydeco band is well deserved. They
consistently pack the house in venues ranging
from contemporary clubs to major festivals to
traditional dancehalls. You can also catch the
Flames at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, where
they’ve played annually since 1994. The band’s
cross-generational appeal ensures — without fail
— that everyone has a rockin’ good time!
Recordings
• Fire It Up (2006)
• Bank the Fire (2003)
• Zydeco Flames Live:
Smokin' at the Plant (1998)
• The Heat is On (1996)
• Burnin' Up the Tracks (1995)
• Hot Offerings (1993)
Compilations
• Best of the East Bay Party: Home Grown
(2010), featuring “Wide Load” from
Fire It Up
• KFOG’s Local Scene, Vol. 5 (2008),
featuring “Fire It Up” from Fire It Up
• Ashkenaz 30th Anniversary CD (2008),
featuring “Don’t Worry” from Burnin’
Up the Tracks
• Oakland City Center Sounds (2007),
featuring “Fire It Up” from Fire It Up
• West Coast Mardi Gras Party (2001),
featuring "You Can Dance (All Night
Long)" from Smokin' at the Plant
Recent Performances and Awards
• Headliner, 7th Annual Berkeley World Music
Festival (2010)
• Finalist, East Bay Express’ Best of the East Bay
Party (2010)
• Winner, North Bay Bohemian’s North Bay Music
Award, World/International Music
Category (2009)
• Voted Best Zydeco Band, West Coast Blues
Society (2006)
William Allums Jr.'s (drums) inspirational playing, with his unique brand
of Louisiana-spiced rhythms, continues to draw fans to their feet and on to the
dance floor. This multi-faceted player has deep roots in gospel music, hip-hop,
funk and R&B.
Frank Bohan (guitar) has musical roots deep in the styles of the Chicago blues.
Flames' fans are energized by his masterful solos and rhythm guitar work. Frank
also served as bandleader for Freeway Frank and the Hotwires and has played
with Johnny Copeland, Alvin "Youngblood" Hart, Ricardo Scales and Johnny
Nitro. You can find Frank on Saturday mornings, hamming it up with the Treble
Makers at the Coffee Roasters in San Anselmo and jamming around town with
local luminaries Bonnie Hayes, Ted O’Connell, Jeb Harrison, Tal Morris, Erik
Schramm and Kevin Hayes.
Lloyd Meadows (vocals, rubboard, harmonica, lyrics) is a consummate
entertainer and rousing crowd pleaser. His infectious energy infuses
audiences wherever he performs. A classically trained singer, Lloyd's soulful,
steamy style ranges from rock to blues to R&B, culminating in a unique blend
of Zydeco. His diverse musical background includes performances and
recordings with Mal Sharpe's Big Money, Tom Rigney, Motordude Zydeco and
Elvin Bishop.
Timm Walker (bass, vocals, lyrics, producer, engineer) is one reason why
the Flames are known for having one of the tightest rhythm sections in the
business. His performance credits include work with The Larry James Band,
Roy Gaines, J.J. Malone, Sista Monica, Bobby Murray and Andre Thierry. He
is also a core member of The Elvin Bishop Band. Timm produced and
engineered the Flames’ “Bank the Fire” and “Fire it Up” CDs; founded and
recorded the New Orleans-flavored funk act Beaufunk; and engineered and
produced Beaufunk’s first CD “Change Gone Come Fa Betta.”
Bruce Gordon (accordion) grew up in Washington D.C. and studied jazz at
Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, earning a degree in music. After
hearing Clifton Chenier and Queen Ida, this stellar musician made his way to
the Bay Area, in search of Zydeco performers. Inspired by the unique Zydeco
sound, Bruce and Lloyd Meadows founded Zydeco Flames in 1990. Today,
Bruce continues to capture the attention of music lovers and dancers
Zydeco Flames are available for both public and private events.
For information, call (415) 457-5767 or e-mail: zydecoflames@gmail.com.
CDs available at www.zydecoflames.com and www.cdbaby.com.
Visit us at www.my space.com/zydecoflamesmusic.com.
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