Customer Reviews

South To Louisiana: The Music of the Cajun Bayous

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In many ways, the music of south Louisiana- the cajun bayou country- is an acquired taste. Harmonically constrained, exploring at most the tonal possibilites of four chords, the music is yet another extension of a culture largely isolated until the 1950's. But the richness of the music belies the seemingly rigid constraints many would find impenetrable. It is said that few receive honor in their own country. As has happened in so many instances in mid-century American music, another Britisher is first to examine, almost exhaustively, the music and musicians of Cajun Land, including that part that spills over into Southeast Texas. For aficianados (and participants) of this almost unexamined musical genre, a work of this subject and measure is long overdue. The music was recorded in out-of-the-way places on obscure labels. Let's hope this work does not suffer the same fate.

Louisiana has an incredible mix of musicians. Covering the subject is no small task - covering the subject in an easy to read "fun" text is no small task. But here it is. I like Louisiana music and I think it some of the best in the world so I read the book the first time with a very critical eye. If you are planning a trip to Louisiana with the thought of catching musicians doing their thing - this book is a good 101 course to begin with - even before you arrive in the only third world in the USA - Louisiana -- get the book.