Premiere: Ivan Neville, CC Adcock, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Jimmie Vaughan Cover Clifton Chenier on New 7” Single

Antone’s 50th anniversary has inspired a special live album titled "Chicago Bound: Honoring Muddy, Cliff & Blue," commemorating the iconic Austin nightclub’s influential role in blues and roots music. The compilation features 11 tracks by an array of celebrated artists, including Billy F Gibbons with the BFGS, Doyle Bramhall II, Kim Wilson & the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and John Primer. These performances pay homage to Antone’s rich musical heritage and its enduring connection to the blues tradition.

Leading the project is a limited-edition 7” vinyl single presenting an all-star rendition of Clifton Chenier’s zydeco classic "One Step at a Time." This track brings together a remarkable lineup: Ivan Neville and CC Adcock share lead vocals, with Rolling Stones members Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood providing guitar accompaniment. Adding depth and texture, Jimmie Vaughan makes his harmonica recording debut on the track, weaving in blues influences with a nod to Jimmy Reed’s style.

The recording sessions also include veteran zydeco musicians from Lafayette, Louisiana, further authenticating the sound. Drummer Robert St. Julien, a longtime collaborator from Chenier’s era, anchors the rhythm section, joined by bassist Chuckie Bush, associated with Beau Jocque's band. Accordion and washboard parts are contributed by Steve Riley and Curley Taylor, both longtime friends and zydeco stalwarts. This assembly of artists blends rock, blues, and roots in a tribute that transcends genre boundaries.

Keith Richards has expressed a personal connection to the zydeco genre and Clifton Chenier’s music, noting its longstanding influence on his musical sensibilities. CC Adcock, reflecting on the collaboration, described the experience as a convergence of blues legends and zydeco rhythm masters, underscoring the significance of the ensemble and the moment.

Proceeds from this single are dedicated to supporting the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a cause aimed at nurturing future generations of musicians influenced by Chenier’s legacy. The single is available for pre-order as a collectible item limited to 500 copies, with its B-side, "Bayou Congeaux," released exclusively in digital format.

Beyond this standout release, the Antone’s 50th compilation album features a selection of tracks that highlight the depth of blues influence on contemporary artists. Kam Franklin, accompanied by Rodd Bland & the Dreamers, delivers a soulful rendition of "I Wouldn’t Treat A Dog (The Way You Treated Me)." Doyle Bramhall II offers a powerful take on "Give Me Back My Wig," while Kim Wilson and The Fabulous Thunderbirds perform "I’m Not Ashamed," adding to the record's stylistic diversity.

Historical significance is also threaded through the album with contributions from John Primer and Lil’ Ed Williams, who join forces with Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith on the classic "Got My Mojo Working." These performances recall the vibrant Chicago blues scene and its ongoing impact on American music.

Antone’s Nightclub has long stood as a beacon for blues enthusiasts, nurturing artists and hosting legendary performances. This commemorative album not only celebrates the venue’s 50 years but also serves as a bridge connecting past and present, highlighting the enduring vitality of blues and roots music.

Details about additional release dates and further promotional activities surrounding the compilation remain limited. However, the project clearly underscores the continued reverence for the blues tradition and the community that supports it.

This milestone collection both honors the past and invests in the future, capturing the spirit of collaboration among iconic musicians and ensuring the legacy of figures like Clifton Chenier remains vibrant in contemporary music culture.