Lil' Brian

Young lightning-fingered accordion player Brian Terry and his Zydeco Travelers first found popularity in their native Houston during the early '90s when he and his bandmates were in their early '20s. It was master zydeco accordion player John Delafose who inspired Terry to begin learning the instrument at age 13. As his family is distantly related to the Delafose family, he even got to study with his mentor's family. Other influences include Clifton Chenier and Stanley "Buckwheat" Dural. After he'd begun mastering the accordion, Terry and his brothers Rick and Pat formed a band with a few others. Their father became their biggest fan and sponsored them, making sure they had the instruments and amps they needed. Terry started out in the group as just another musician, but eventually became their leader. They got their start playing in local Houston zydeco clubs and at the annual Juneteenth Blues Festival. During the 1991 Zydco Festival in Plaisance, LA, he and the band received an award for Youngest Zydeco Band. From their they began opening for Buckwheat in an Austin club. Over the years the band has had a few membership changes, but as of the mid-'90s are still noted for having some of the best young zydeco musicians around. They are also known for updating the zydeco sound by adding elements of blues and hip-hop music. In addition to playing a mean accordion, Terry is a talented singer and songwriter. They made their eponymous debut for Rounder Records in 1994. Three years later, the group released Z-Funk; Funk Nation followed in early 2000. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Music Guide