The Ethnomusicologists' Cookbook
By Sean Williams

To answer your first question: an ethnomusicologist is one who studies music in a cultural context. This fact should put the title of this cookbook into clearer perspective. The meals that Sean Williams presents in this collection aren't just exotic or ethnic in nature, they are also attached to specific cultures which can be explored beyond the dietary, namely through music.

Willams uses the connection of music and food within culture to transcend mere tastes and sounds. Her goal is to introduce his audience to various cultures around the world by giving specific instructions on preparing dishes and providing musical selections to go along with them. There are also local essays from recipe contributors, linking the cultural ties together. In effect, the participants will not only be enjoying a meal, but they will be getting a small sample of culture at the same time.

The menus Williams has gathered come from around the world, including Africa, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South and Central America, North America, Oceania, and Europe. She wants to make the experience as authentic as possible, while giving the reader an opportunity to seek out further exploration. In other words, the meal and music would be very much like what you would encounter if you were actually in country. From there, she gives you a starting point to delve further into research. If you like a particular dish or a particular song, perhaps you will find out more on your own.

Care has been taken to make sure the ingredients are fairly easy to find in the West, keeping the dishes from being too exotic. There are just some things you cannot find at the corner store in Everytown, USA, and Williams takes this into account. Also, there are considerations for vegetarians and those who have other dietary concerns.

This one is for the more adventurous cooks and dinner hosts who are looking for something far beyond the usual fare. Make your next gathering a trip to another part of the world.

MISH MASH Mandate: Global Gastronomy
Routledge / Taylor & Francis Group Website

Canned Heat
Instrumentals 1967-1996

Ruf Records

15 Song CD

 

When this one first came to my attention, I honestly wasn't expecting much. I mean, putting together a compilation of instrumentals from various incarnations of Canned Heat didn't seem like it would be at the top of anyone's priority list when it comes to reissues. Man, was I surprised when I found myself listening to it over and over again.

The first 9 songs were all recorded between 1967 and 1972 when the band was at its creative peak, and the first 6 tunes include the original lineup. These are by far the best tracks on the album, featuring a raw and somewhat unpolished sound, lending more creedence to the overall blues feel. Yet, the more recent tracks stand well enough on their own, eschewing polished production for an edgier feel.

The disc begins with an epic suite, the 20 minute monster named "Parthenogenesis", which comes across as a wandering, psychedelic-tinged master opus that is hit-and-miss in its grandeur. It is certainly a product of the times, and it stands as a staggering testament to the drug-induced haze in which it was likely created.

From there, the album goes into a decidedly more traditional electric blues direction, focusing more on guitar riffs and harp-blowing. The playing is pretty tight, and the musicianship is top notch from beginning to end. The only problem would be the inconsistency in overall sound, most likely arising from the culling of tunes from almost three decades, recorded with varying amounts of quality in production. Otherwise, this is blues as strong as it gets.

MISH MASH Mandate: How Blue Can You Get?
Ruf Records Website