Jazz A-B-Z

"Jazz A-B-Z" by Wynton Marsalis is a unique and engaging introduction to the world of jazz music and its legendary figures, presented through a collection of diverse poetic forms. Each letter of the alphabet features a different jazz great, from "A is for almighty Louis Armstrong" to "S for sax master Sonny Rollins," with poems crafted in styles like rondeau, sonnet, and blues. This book offers a rich blend of biography, music history, and literary art, making it an excellent resource for parents looking to expose their children to cultural heritage and the power of creative expression. It's suitable for ages 4-11, allowing younger children to enjoy the rhythm and illustrations during read-alouds, while older children can delve into the poetic structures and historical details.

Profiles twenty-six of the jazz greats of all time, from Count Basie to Louis Armstrong, through a review of their work, their life stories, and their greatest hits by one of today's top jazz performers. A is for "almighty" Louis Armstrong, whose amazing artistry unfolds in an accumulative poem shaped like the letter he stands for. As for sax master Sonny Rollins, whose "robust style radiates roundness," could there be a better tribute than a poetic rondeau? In an extraordinary feat, Pulitzer Prize-winning jazz composer Wynton Marsalis harmonizes his love and knowledge of jazz's most celebrated artists with an astounding diversity of poetic forms-from simple blues (Count Basie) to a complex pantoum (Charlie Parker), from a tender sonnet (Sarah Vaughan) to a performance poem snapping the rhythms of Art Blakey to life.