Jazz on a Saturday Night
Jazz on a Saturday Night
By: Leo & Diane Dillon
What a fantastically short introduction to some of Jazz's greatest musicians! At the beginning of the text the authors give us an introduction to Jazz, where it started, what it is and how it has evolved. I love that! They also tell us that the ‘dream team' of musicians they have in this book did not all play together at the same time as portrayed, but that many of them played together at other times.
The story itself is very short, two lines to a page. The rhythm of the words being read out loud should enthrall even the youngest of listeners! Even when reading it silently you can literally feel the beats of the words roll off your tongue. It's magic I tell you!
Children (and adults) are introduced to Miles Davis, Max Roach, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Stanley Clarke and Ella Fitzgerald. There are no long lines or paragraphs to describe each person. You're basically given a name and what instrument they play. At the end of the book they have brief biographies of all of the musicians included in the text. They have also included their favorite jazz recordings from these musicians. I really love that because it allows children to be introduced to something new, provides them some additional information that would enable them to learn more about an instrument, person or a recording.
The illustrations are also fabulous. The Dillon's collaborative efforts on their works really make them shine. The backgrounds are mostly subtle which really allow the dark, bold colors of the focus stand out.
Another bonus with this book is that is comes with a cd. The Dillon's have a spoken introduction to jazz and the instruments that are shown in the book, plus an original song entitled "Jazz on a Saturday Night." This would be so useful in a lower-grade classroom introduce musicians and instruments in jazz.
Notes on the Cover:
It's a striking cover, I'll give you that much! The musicians at their various instruments playing and you can tell that they are very involved in what they are doing. No one is looking around and rolling their eyes or anything! The cover really demonstrates the passion these musicians had!
Recommended To:
- Teachers - what a great way to introduce a unit on Jazz music! It's fun and not full of dry facts and figures. Good times!
- Children who love music and like to learn more
- Everyone!
The cd is not inside the book. When you come to check it out ask for it at the Circulation Desk and we'll get it for you!
On our shelves!
Sorry the picture book reviews have been so sporadic all summer!