DIRTY BIRD BLUES

Dion Graham gives a virtuoso performance of fictional bluesman Manfred (Man) Banks. Graham sings, riffs, wails, and weeps as he takes listeners into the soul of the protagonist. With perfect pacing and timing, Graham also explores the depth of emotions of the various other characters--from a toddler to women who work in a salon--whom he ingeniously emulates. His ability to capture various African-American accents is exceptional. His most impressive work comes with revealing Man's convoluted inner life, which booze compromises and life complicates. The author, a poet, painter, and professor, has written dictionaries of African-American slang, and his knowledge is richly displayed. This audiobook marks the 25th anniversary of the novel's initial publication. The listener is in for an enjoyable journey to 1950s America. A.D.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2022]