Band Review

Dirty Linen Magazine August/September 2007 By Dan Willging

New York State’s Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers don’t dare to be different, they just are--and take pride in being so. As a kid,
Greg Speck played a lot of his ethnic Slavic music on accordion. He was so good, in fact, that he and his brother, Bill, had a band in
which they played Slavic weddings. By the age of 21, Speck was so burnt out with accordion that he put it down and focused on keyboards
and jazz. Then one day Speck and his young sons had an epiphany--they saw C. J. Chenier performing, and Alek, then 12, exclaimed, “Dad, you
could do this!” Greg returned to accordion, joined by Alek on drums and Nick on bass, and they kick-started a family band: Captain
Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers were born. Obviously, they’ve managedto be successful regionally because 11 years later, they can say
they’ve opened for the best: Chenier, Steve Riley, Geno Delophose, Terrance Simien, and Chris Ardoin. For the band’s fourth album, Zydeco
on the Radio, Speck now plays the diatonic (Cajun) variety accrdion in addition to his piano-row one. Lyrically, Speck doesn’t attempt to
emulate Louisiana zydeco artists, but prefers to keep as much individualism in his songs as possible. While he could do the
stereotypical food metaphors (jambalaya, crawfish, and filé gumbo), Speck roasts pepper on the aptly named “Chile Pepper Party”. There’s a
drive-time song that every motorist except desert rats can relate to, “Wipers Keepin’ Time”, while another song that unfolds as a totally
traditional waltz is titled “Cosmic Mama”, that’s, uh-hum, replete with more quirkiness. On a few selections, (“WZYD/FM”, “Hillbilly Slip ‘n’
Slide) the band manages to hit a few groove sweet spots, with Mosher guitarist Justin Cross supplying dreamy riffs and ultra-articulate playing.

Paule Pachter, ZydecoRoad.com, March 3, 2007.
Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers remain one of the most versatile zydeco acts in the northeast. The Rensselaerville, NY based band continues to take some risks with their music, and on their fourth CD entitled Zydeco on the Radio, Greg Speck (aka Captain Squeeze) makes a musical departure from his piano-style accordion to display his command of the traditional diatonic accordion. In addition to a greater reliance on the button accordion, Speck and The Moshers have also recorded some impressive traditional tracks and laced them with that upbeat, jazzy sound that has come to define the Capital District's premier purveyors of Louisiana music.

Among the pleasing material contained on this 11 track CD are: "Zydeco on the Radio, "Bye Bye Baby," "WZYD/FM," "Squeeze Box Rocker," and "Hillbilly Slip 'n' Slide." The Moshers have a unique sound that they're able to duplicate and apply to both original and cover material, which truly makes them unique. It doesn't really matter if they are covering Boozoo Chavis, or Lisa Haley, you always know it's The Moshers. Their trademark, jumpy sound certainly comes across clearly on their latest and most enterprising effort to date.

Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers are: Greg Speck (accordions and vocals); Justin Cross (guitar); Brian Egan (drums); Bill Lawrence (bass); and Alek Speck (washboard). The special appearance by Craig Thaler on the violin adds significantly to the musical quality achieved on Zydeco on the Radio. The Captain has shed his 25 pound piano accordion for a 7 pound button accordion and the loss of weight has paid off with a great new CD. You can purchase Zydeco on the Radio directly from the band's official website at www.captainsqueeze.com

Band Review/via Zydecoroad.com

The launching of Saturday Night Zydeco was many months in the planning. We had to make sure that everything worked and that all of the details pertaining to the venue, prizes, sponsorships, insurance, accommodations and publicity would result in a successful first night out. We also had to have Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers on hand to roll this whole thing out. So on Saturday, September 14, 2002, the capitol district's premier zydeco party band came to Long Island and shook the floor of Delaney's Restaurant and Lounge with their outrageous zydeco sound and unique way of connecting with the dance crowd.

On their two CDs ("Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers" and "Zydeco Band On The Road"), the Moshers only feature their original material. It is an upbeat blend of zydeco and jazz jingled up with a dash of rock and roll. Among the original songs that brought the crowd up on the floor were: "Bon Temps Bon Temps;" "If I Go To Work;" and "Zydeco Band On The Road." However, the best-kept secret about Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers that you wouldn't know unless you saw them perform is their ability to deliver classic zydeco covers with wonderful authenticity. Their renditions of material by Terrance Simien ("Mardi Gras"), Beau Jocque ("Give Him Cornbread"), Boozoo Chavis ("Paper In My Shoes") and other Louisiana masters kept the crowd "Shakin' On The Dance Floor."

The Moshers are a wonderfully talented group of musicians who also come prepared with their outgoing and engaging personalities. Their practice of inviting members of the audience up on stage to play the rubboard with them was a genuine crowd pleaser and kept the party percolating all night as the band pumped out a barrage of two-steps, waltzes, and even made material by The Rolling Stones sound southern. Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers are: Greg (Captain Squeeze) Speck on accordion and vocals; Tim Keenan on bass; Brian Egan on drums; Justin Cross on guitar and Aleksen Speck or Troy Oechsner (when Alek is away at college) on rubboard.

If you have a chance to travel to the capitol district of New York State you're bound to catch The Moshers performing in many of the local clubs and specialty venues, and often sharing theater stages with Louisiana heavyweights such as C.J. Chenier, Terrance Simien and Buckwheat Zydeco. For more information about The Moshers log onto their official website at www.captainsqueeze.com.

Dirty Linen Magazine July 2005:

If the name isn't adorable enough, this band's endearing Louisiana sounds will steal your heart. Third album Bayou Party Downtown (GSM Records/upstate New York) is all-original, rawkin' zydeco from seemingly unlikely sources. The good Captain is Greg Speck - of Slovakian descent - whose formative years were weighted by classical accordion instruction and playing ethnic weddings. In 1996, at a C.J. Chenier performance in Albany, Speck's son Alek, added dad's talent and Chenier's style, and an idea germinated. Alek took up rubboard (a metal washboard worn like a shirt), and, with loyal recovering jazz pals, Captain Squeeze & the Zydeco Moshers came to be. The elder Speck got his groove in funk and R&B bands, honing it with a masters in music, but his heart is all zydeco. CSZM has opened for all the big guys, and continues to heat up the frigid Northeast. When the Captain picks up his Gabbanelli and ambles to the mic, better take a look and listen. An apropos bonus track, "Like Father/Like Son," is touching. (SM)

OTHER COMMENTS:

PHRASES AND PRAISES FROM CLIENTS
"Out of the nearly 100 performances, many have stood out. Three of the best we remember are the scorching blues workouts of Ernie Williams and the Wildcats, the massive swing of the Glenn Miller Big Band and the tribal stomp of Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers. The concerts were performed on hot, humid evenings and the crowds were standing room only for all three nights."
Jules Molenda
The Daily Mail ( Story about Music in the Park series)
Catskill, NY

"Jaime and I can't thank you enough. We absolutely loved your band and were so happy that you could be there with us for our wedding day. Everyone I've spoken to said that they loved you guys and that you were perfect for the day. Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! If you ever need a reference please don't hesitate to use me. I would love to recommend you to anyone in the mood for a good time!! Again, Thank you so much!!!"
Hutch H.
Coordinator of Outdoor Adventure and Leadership Development
Lynchburg College

"The best-kept secret about New York's Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers that, you wouldn't know unless you saw them perform live, is their ability to deliver classic zydeco covers with wonderful authenticity. The Moshers have become a favorite on the Long Island zydeco scene. The Moshers were extraordinary. Your energy, your professionalism and your ability to energize the folks attending our first Saturday Night Zydeco were exceptional. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening."
K-Paule, ZydecoRoad.com

"Our Mardi Gras holiday party was a success because of one key element, Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers! Working with Greg Speck and his band was a pleasure and I can't wait to work with them again! My clients were thrilled and said this was the best party they'd had in years!"
Rachel M./Ryan Fable Productions
Event: Mardi Gras themed holiday party at Au Bar in New York City

"Lisa and I would like to thank you for your professionalism and energy in making our wedding reception truly memorable. Weeks after the reception, friends are still commenting on how much fun they had with you and the band. Your band epitomized what we were trying to provide for our guests: fun, positive energy and a true spirit of togetherness. After hearing you play at Natalie's party, I know you were the band to make our day special. Your CD travels with us-the girls love singing background to your music. You must take great pride in being able to make people feel so good." John and Lisa -- post wedding remarks.

"One of my resolutions this year is to get out to see you more!! Resolutions should be made to help better your life and seeing you guys sure is a positive thing to do!!
I bet a lot of people have written things to you about your band. I just want to tell you that I am grateful to have you in the area. I go to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival every year (until I die) and it is great to have The Zydeco Moshers to come home to and keep the zydeco spirit going!! Your song list gets the people moving and singing along to the well-known songs of the great zydeco greats! The originals are easy to learn and great to keep you dancing! Alek is always ready to share a rub board and gets the people involved. I don't use the word audience because to me that means people who watch something, you can't just watch this band, you have to become involved! It's a fun time!!!"
Lori B., Albany, NY

"I really enjoyed seeing your band play! You really are awesome! It's great to listen to a band that lures you onto the dance floor and makes you feel good!"
Marlene M. Ravena, NY

"A kick ass band. Best Member -Guest dance in years."
Peter K./ Chairman Golf Committee, Onteora Club, Tannersville,NY.

"I think you've consistently been one of the best groups we've had as far as audience involvement is concerned."
Peter Davis/ Saratoga Race Track

From Our Glass in Gloversville, NY

"In the year that my club (Our Glass, Gloversville) has been open, I've hired many of what I consider to be the outstanding bands and entertainers from the Capital District. I receive many positive comments from customers who appreciate being able to hear great music without making a long drive. The performance by The Moshers was by far the most fun we've ever had.Your group has great musicians AND great entertainers." (Tony Ficili, Our Glass, Gloversville, NY)

I have attended many a Friday night function at your club (Our Glass), but never have I felt the energy level so high as the night this band played. If anyone stood still and didn't move to the beat...they should have had their pulse checked. They were fabulous, fantastic and so much fun to be around. Thanks for having such great musicians at your club. Always a fan...

Kudos to Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers to a most riveting, spellbound performance at Our Glass on Friday October 28th. As usual you captivate the audience and inspire them to get on their feet and dance, no matter how much alcohol may be involved :) Always a pleasure to enjoy during track season and beyond!! Thanks for one of the best performances given by any band in this area (Gloversville, NY) in a long, long time!

"If anyone stood still and didn't move to the beat, they should have had their pulses checked."