Publishers Weekly Review
| In an evocative snapshot of a moment in a musician's life, Golio (Dark Was the Night) celebrates Black saxophonist Sonny Rollins's (b. 1930) private escape to a public place: when you can't/ play in your apartment/ (shhh--the neighbors!)/ you can/ play outside/ if/ you know where." Ransome (Overground Railroad) creates vivid watercolor and collage spreads of Rollins rehearsing on a fire escape, and the frustrated expressions of noise-averse neighbors, then follows the musician as he strides through city streets with his saxophone in its case, heading for the Williamsburg Bridge walkway, where "you can/ blow/ blow/ BLOW A HORN/ as loud as/ you/ WANT." Ransome doesn't stint on background scenery; he paints the structure, the buildings below it, and even the traffic along the river with reverence. Up on the bridge, golden bubbles of effervescent sound burst from the bell of Rollins's instrument as he plays to his heart's content, "anything/ EVERYTHING/ that/ comes into his/ mind" against the rhythm of trains "clanking clanging" and "tugboats/ blowing bass notes." The creators' deliberate lines and detailed visuals sing like music themselves as they pay homage to an artist who finds a way to ring out loud and clear. Ages 4--8. (Oct.) |
School Library Journal Review
| Gr 2--5--This poetic book offers a glimpse into the life and music of Sonny Rollins. It begins with a description of the Bridge and the city surrounding it. Readers then follow Rollins as he is drawn to the bridge to play in harmony with the sounds of the city around him. The real strength of this work is its rich, figurative language. This book would be a terrific support to studying poetry with students. The verse is written in clear lines and stanzas that will support foundational poetry standards. Students could listen to the musicians's work with this narrative and draw parallels between what they hear in the music and what is described in the text. The lush watercolor illustrations are highly detailed and support the text wonderfully. Back matter includes details about and photographs of Rollins and the Williamsburg Bridge. Reading this back matter with students before analyzing the poetry will support their comprehension and connections. Positive representations of Black artists are always welcome additions to library collections, and this work stands out as a biography in verse. VERDICT Recommended for elementary collections, especially for poetry, biography, and music units.--Christina Salazar, Mesquite I.S.D., TX |
