Illustrator Paul Rogers and musician Wynton Marsalis collaborated on a book that serves as both an introduction and a tribute to 26 jazz greats from A to Z. Wynton’s brilliant poetry and Paul’s inspired illustrations had to be presented in a format that was accurate and elegant, clear and sophisticated. The poster-style illustrations were drawn from the rich visual history of jazz music, and the accompanying text is written in a variety of poetic forms that match each musician’s style and personality. A single typeface was used throughout, so as not to compete with the hand-drawn letterforms incorporated into each main illustration and the spot illustrations on each text page. The book is bound in the style of an old 78 record album, including the Kraft paper endpapers, which were die-cut to look like a record sleeve in the front and a “recommended listening” list on the back inside cover. To truly complete the project, the eminent jazz historian Phil Schapp contributed short biographies for each musician, which in turn are followed by descriptions of each poetic form. A total work of love.

Illustrations influenced by bebop and other old jazz record covers. Not surprisingly, works really well in a children’s volume. Very well done.