Wynton Marsalis

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5Awmiller begins this brief outline of the life and career of the noted trumpeter by describing Marsalis teaching music to kids after a three-hour concert. The author achieves a nice effect when he returns to the same scene at the end of the book, conveying the musician's message that sweat and practice is what will make these youngsters succeed. Black-and-white and full-color photographs complement the presentation nicely. Unfortunately, the series' format lends itself to oversimplification. This is especially apparent when the author attempts to explain the types of music Marsalis plays. The text states that "Classical music was invented in Europe hundreds of years ago" and cites Beethoven, Mozart, and Brahms as primary practitioners with no further clarification. While rhythm and improvisation are said to be the two central elements of jazz, the statement "Jazz music was invented by African-Americans about one hundred years ago" seems to warrant a little more explanation, even in an introductory text. Nevertheless, this book has a place in collections where material on musicians and famous African Americans is in demand.Tim Wadham, Dallas Public Library, TX