Book Summary
Father and
son, Walter and Christopher Myers, write and illustrate a wonderful book about
jazz. The illustrations flow and the poetry pops, both combined to introduce
readers to different styles and subgenres of jazz. Myers’ words really
convey the many styles of jazz as he uses different voices, tones, rhythms.
Reference
Myers, W. D. (2006). Jazz. New York. Holiday
House.
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Impressions:
The
book introduces readers to jazz with a wonderful rhythmic tone. I appreciated
the illustrations and poetry covering a wide range of jazz styles. From drummers
to piano players, and with mention of New Orleans, the book conveys a lot of
emotion about the music art form. The book begins with a through overview of
where jazz was born and what it meant to musical history. The book is
sophisticated and remarkably beautiful.
Professional Review:
Gr 5-9-- Expanding on Blues Journey (Holiday House, 2003), this talented father and son have produced new poetry and paintings to explore a wider repertoire of jazz forms. An introduction provides historical and technical background, briefly touching on influences, improvisation, rhythm, and race. Spreads then pulsate with the bold, acrylic-and-ink figures and distorted perspectives that interpret the multiple moods and styles set forth in the text. The poems begin "Along the Nile" with a drumbeat and conclude with the heat of a Bourbon Street band. The Myerses experiment aurally and visually with the forms themselves; thus, "Stride" alternates long, fast-paced lines in a white font with two-word percussive phrases in black, calling to mind a period piano score. "Be-bop" unleashes a relentlessly rhyming patter in black, punctuated by a blue cursive font that "screams." The 15 selections also celebrate vocals, various instrumental combinations, a funeral procession, and Louis Armstrong; New Orleans as spirit and place is woven throughout. The expressionistic figures are surrounded by high-contrast colors in which the visible brushstrokes curve around their subjects, creating an aura that almost suggests sound waves. Wynton Marsalis's Jazz A B Z (Candlewick, 2005) offers an interesting comparison and complement: varied poetic forms and stylized, posterlike visuals present the lives of jazz musicians. Interaction with each inspired title informs the other and awakens interest in listening.
Lukehart, W. (2006). Jazz. School
Library Journal, 52(9), 233.
Library Uses:
Librarians
should really seek to read this book aloud because the poetry carries so much
rhythm. This book should be used to introduce readers to jazz and could help readers
seeking books about the musical style. Librarians could invite students to perform
poetry from the book accompanying their performance with jazz music.
