Jazz was born through pain and triumph and this book quickly takes you through those feelings. New Orleans, where Satchmo blew his horn and Harlem where Duke, Cab, and Ella all could excite a crowd, jazz came from those before them that fought through years of repression and still even today in rap music can you hear these pieces, not only the beats but the repression, but also the triumph, because that is Jazz. ( )

Great book, poetry, onomonopia, illustrations, memorable language, A book that blended music with culture and poetry with sound. ( )

"An Illustrated history of the origins and influences of jazz from Africa to comtemporary America". This beautifully illustrated book does exactly what that sentence states. We begin by taking a trip to Africa where we see natives beating their drums and chanting for rain. Next on our trip is the trip to America where they were forced to be slaves. Chanting has changed, now thye're chanting for freedom. Next we see the cakewallkers dancing to ragtime tunes, then blues in the Delta, gospel, and New Orleans Jazz bands. Eventually we see where jazz ended up. Jazz beats and chanting can still be found in today's society through rap music. This story is a great depiction on how music has developed through the ages. Most children today enjoy music. This book will be a historical look at how music is constantly changing but is inspired by history at the same. ( )

Illustrations are magical, brings story to life.