JAZZ DAY The Making of a Famous Photograph

Picture it: In mid-August, 1958, 57 jazz musicians gather in front of a Harlem brownstone for an epic photograph. And for a story that is, at its roots, a visual tale. Narrator Robin Miles delivers Orgill’s collection of poems describing this day with a passion that paints the picture for listeners. Miles brings each unique personality to light, notably Thelonius Monk and Count Basie. The masterful characterizations and deliberate pacing of the poetry by Miles add a touch of magic to this historical account. A thorough author’s note with mini-biographies on each jazz great in the picture rounds out this lyrical masterpiece. That being said, listener’s won’t want to miss Francis Vallejo’s vibrant, playful illustrations, which show the preparations to the actual picture taking by designer Art Kane on that day. E.A.B. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2017]