Corey Arceneaux is a challenge to fit into one category. The leader of Corey and the Zydeco Hot Peppers sports youthful looks and a boyish grin that suggests he’s just a few years removed from the senior prom.
Yet in 2008, Corey released “20/20, 20 Years, 20 Tracks,” a CD that confirms that he’s not in the current class of zydeco newcomers and wanna-bes. His two decades behind the accordion started at age 10. He’s a member of one of zydeco’s first families, led by his late uncle Fernest, who performed and recorded worldwide as the New Prince of the Accordion for more than 50 years.

But just months after reminding zydeco dancers of his rich family history, Corey unveils this project, “Nu Band Nu Sound.” Corey shows he is indeed a modern man, adept at the R&B and rap-flavored zydeco of the new millennium. Yet he remains a proud Arceneaux, showcasing his sons throughout the CD and throwing in some blues, French and gospel roots that are still in his blood.

Corey calls on cousin Erica Fox, a fellow Lafayette native and R&B beauty who once left the bayou to work with Toni Braxton, Shai and other West Coast stars. Fox easily slips back into her hometown zydeco groove with Corey on “Hello” and a remix of an earlier Hot Pepper song, “Tell Me Why.”  Devo adds hip hop to Corey’s 2009 sound in the title song and “Let’s Get It On.”

The new sound also includes Desmond Joseph, Corey’s 14-year-old son who mastered the bass guitar in a matter of months. Corey Jr., age 9, adds rubboard action on the appropriately titled “Family Tradition.”

Tyler, the baby of the band at age 7, sings on “Higher” and does rubboard on “Bernadette,” a Creole standard and tribute to the legendary Fernest and The Thunders band. The bluesy side of Fernest lives on in a new rendition of his late uncle’s signature tune, “A Mother’s Love.”

A musician of talent, history and contemporary times, Corey Arceneaux is still a challenge to label. Your best bet is to just sit back and enjoy the results.

(Herman Fuselier is a music writer and broadcaster who lives in Opelousas, LA.)