Zydeco Shoes: A Sensory Tour Of Cajun Culture

Rating:
Summary: COMPLETELY CAJUN, AND TONS OF FUN
Review:

"Zydeco" for those unfamiliar with Cajun culture is defined as "a combination of traditional Cajun dance music and African blues." Quite obviously, that's a jumpin' kind of music, really snappy. And, this is a really snappy kind of book from the bright red and orange shoes on the eye popping cover to the paintings by Earl Hebert to the 34 recipes from Mulate's Cajun Restaurant and Dance Hall to the CD zestfully played by the Lucky Playboys. If you can't hop a plane to Louisiana, this is the best way to immerse yourself in the Cajun's fun loving way of life.

The editor of this book, Alexandra Hayes, discovered Earl Hebert and his art in New Orleans' Jackson Square. Hebert's first career was in the restaurant business; he began painting solely as a hobby in the 1970s. Without any formal training his works soon generated quite a following, and he has maintained his own gallery in the French Quarter of New Orleans for the past fifteen years.

Hebert's paintings, basically in rich primary colors, recall a less complicated life when happiness was found with a mess of crawfish, beer on ice, and good friends. By using acrylic paints the viewer is treated to a layering effect that is both unique and memorable.

Known throughout the world for his Blue dog paintings, George Rodrigue contributed the foreword for "Zydeco Shoes." A native of Louisiana, he studied art at the University of Louisiana. Today, his paintings are much sought by collectors.
Making their debut on the included compact disk The Lucky Playboys give new meaning to zestful music. You won't be able to keep your toes from tapping.

Popular Cajun recipes featured are from the files of Mulate's, a restaurant founded by Kerry Boutte some twenty years ago in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. He now has three locations, one in New Orleans.

"Zydeco Shoes" is complete Cajun, and tons of fun.

- Gail Cooke

Rating:
Summary: introduction to colorful Cajun culture
Review: Music on a CD, recipes, anecdotes, and most of all, Earl Hebert's vibrantly-colored illustrations convey the tone, energy, and distinctiveness of Louisiana's cajun culture. The full-page illustrations in this oversize book make readers feel that they are practically participating in the scenes of dancing, music playing, and socializing. The book and CD are packaged in an eye-catching, brightly colored slipcase. The different parts combine together for a celebration of this widely-known regional culture.


Rating:
Summary: Cajun art with recipes and descriptions of Cajun culture
Review: Enthusiasts of Louisiana and Zydeco art, folk culture, and music will find it all in one gift-appropriate package in Zydeco Shoes: A Sensory Tour Of Cajun Culture, a gorgeous package blending an oversized art book blending Cajun art with recipes and descriptions of Cajun culture to a cd by The Lucky Playboys, Plus D'chance-que D'l Esprit (More Luck Than Sense). The oversized presentation and striking arrangement juxtaposing art works with recipes, cultural insights and music assures recipients receive a full taste of Zydeco culture.