HOW SWEET THE SOUND

Every second of this dynamic production--from the bouncing notes of the opening theme to the last snapped finger--creates a musical soundscape. Narrator Karen Murphy's sweet and steady tones guide the listener through a history of Black music told in rolling lines of poetry. Murphy moves seamlessly from the talking drums of Africa through the origins of the blues, jazz, funk, and soul, and forward to the birth of hip-hop and rap, with many stops in between. The background accompaniment changes with each verse to reflect the topic. Instruments and vocals intertwine and dance together while keeping the narration front and center. The glossary ("musical notes") is straightforward but still impactful, offering the listener resources through which to enjoy the story even more. N.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2025]