Hannah moves to New Orleans in 1913 which is already buzzing with jazz. Shortly upon arriving in the city, she meets Kid Ory, a Creole jazz trombonistHannah moves to New Orleans in 1913 which is already buzzing with jazz. Shortly upon arriving in the city, she meets Kid Ory, a Creole jazz trombonist and bandleader.
Through her story we get to experience some social issues and some historical events. As this story spans through a few decades, it presents a rich spectrum of events. There are some readers who will certainly appreciate how much this story has to offer and in detail. However, I prefer more focused stories with a shorter span of time period as they tend to be sharper in its depiction.
I found the style of writing descriptive, which makes it difficult for me to connect with the main character and makes the pace slow.
I did enjoy getting to know Kid Ory, but I didn’t feel that jazzy atmosphere. It felt like it was lost within this complex story. Also, the writing is more of telling than showing. And I think that was the biggest part that didn’t make the feel of jazz come alive.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review....more
1920s New York City is blazing with jazz and one of the rising stars George Gershwin is blending classical music with jazz. A musician endowed with “t1920s New York City is blazing with jazz and one of the rising stars George Gershwin is blending classical music with jazz. A musician endowed with “the most brilliant, most enchanting and perhaps the most profound talent.” On the other end of spectrum, there is a classically trained composer – Katherine “Kay” Swift. This story brings two legends and their musical influences on each other.
NYC, 1924. Katherine is not convinced of old musical pieces being presented in a new style. But Paul Whiteman of P.T. Barnum convinces her to attend a concert, the piece – Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin. Gershwin’s music transforms her.
1917. As the story goes back in time, it reveals how Katherine meets James Warburg, their courtship and their contrasting family backgrounds. It is revealed with so much depth, evocative layers. It’s a pure joy.
1925. By now, she knows of her husband’s infidelities. And her path crosses with George Gershwin again. Upon meeting him in person, they connect musically despite opposite technics. Flexibility and instinct are his guidance. He is “loosey-goosey, with shifting tempos. She struck the notes properly, intentionally. (…) Whatever it was, his way of blending Rachmaninoff-like lyricism with bumpy-road rhythms captivated her…”
There is one scene, which I enjoyed very much, when George takes Katherine to Harlem. Harlem is epicenter of jazz. I wished they went back to Harlem a couple more times. So we could soak up that atmosphere.
All three characters are interestingly presented including Katherine’s husband – James Warburg. He comes from family of bankers. His business endeavors take him back and forth between USA and Germany and also to Washington DC as the financial advisor to Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was interesting to learn about his father being the “father” of the Federal Reserve system. And also them being family of successful immigrants and creating an issue for Americans who didn’t want to empower immigrants who may retain affection for their homeland.
Katherine’s background is touchingly illustrated. Her musical background being influenced by her father’s love for music. He taught her to use the sound exploration to probe human soul.
George Gershwin of humbling background is the kindest of souls remaining humble while enjoying his success. “A man pouring his heart out to the world.”
The beautiful layers compose a spellbinding story as enchanting as its music and told with luminous prose. Touchingly creative story capturing souls of musical artists.
I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this flawless prose and entertaining dialogue. Dialogue which constantly moves the story forward, sharp in word choice, invigorating in meaning. Simply a fresh breath, something very original and rare.
P.S. Also by this author recommend By Fire, By Water.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review....more
In 1920s, the Stroll, section of State St in Chicago, is the place for Black Chicagoans to socialize, filled with jazz clubs, brimming with life and bIn 1920s, the Stroll, section of State St in Chicago, is the place for Black Chicagoans to socialize, filled with jazz clubs, brimming with life and blazing with lights. Jazz-age Chicago comes alive in this story.
Chicago, 2015. Sawyer “is a graduate student chasing a doctorate in media studies.” His documentary thesis focuses on the legendary Black filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. His research takes him to Chicago and to an over one-hundred year old woman named Honoree Dalcour. His research brings unexpected twist.
1925. Honoree auditions as a dancer at the Dreamland Café. The most famous place on the Stroll. She is climbing the ladder to success. But that comes with some unexpected events. One evening something happens. Something she shouldn’t have witnessed.
The Stroll is a place filled with the best entertainment: the best piano player, the best trumpet player, and the best band in all Chicago including the best chorus girls. But it is also a time of Prohibition when bootlegging whiskey and illegal gambling take place inside the clubs. It is also a thriving hub for gangsters who control the streets.
Honoree is “a sharecropper’s daughter, accustomed to hard work and hard times.” She is of strong will. She makes no apologies for her independent mind. She is ambitious. She wants to be one of those proud Black people, “not just getting by but living their lives.” I was riveted by this strong heroine, a sharply painted character. Her climb up and her implications kept me engaged.
I loved the prose, the word choice, and all the beef and beeswax (not in literally meaning) that humored me.
The story is atmospheric and authentic in its depiction of the time period, place and people.
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