Jazz writing, especially jazz poetry, usually misses its mark, often coming across, as Ted Gioia notes in the introduction to this delightful collection of sonnets, as "pale imitations of the free flowing energy of a real jazz performance." Not so here. Using the sonnet form much as a jazz improviser uses the equally rigorous 12-bar blues or 16-bar popular song, McSloy masterfully evokes the spirit of 21 classic jazz players or styles, one per sonnet. Sometimes he focuses on the music, effectively capturing a particular performer's sound in a precisely turned phrase--Jack Teagarden's "stately blues" or Thelonius Monk's "stripped-down logic" --and sometimes he turns his attention to the individual behind the horn: the perpetually enigmatic Dexter Gordon, for example, "standing slightly to one side / While we others try to read an irony begotten / Somewhere between here and Central Avenue." Or Freddie Green, Count Basie's rhythm guitarist for 40 years, keeping time through "a quarter million beats," reminding those of us who "work at small perfections" that "great structures rest on every single point." Accompanying the poems are Nina Mera's superb linoleum cuts, black-and-white etchings that match McSloy's words nuance for nuance, almost as if two soloists were "trading fours." A jewel of a book. Bill Ott

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

An eclectic mix of unusual books on most subjects with a bias towards first edition fiction

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

S.Carter
United Kingdom

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

All books are U.K. 1st.editions unless otherwise stated.Payment in advance. Any
book can be returned within 10 days if not satisfied. Books may be reserved by
phone or e-mail. Postage and insurance is at cost.
Preferred method of payment is English cheques or paypal or american cash.

Shipping Terms

Orders usually ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books
weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact
you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Order quantity	14 to 45 business days	5 to 10 business days
First item	US$ 26.98	US$ 31.88

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.