Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 02/01/2023 The saxophone, often associated with New Orleans jazz, was actually invented in Belgium. This engaging picture-book biography of its creator, Adolphe Sax, chronicles how this once-reviled instrument (the prototype was kicked across the floor when introduced at the Belgian National Exposition) made its way around the world, gaining acceptance in Europe, traveling to Mexico with French troops, and arriving in New Orleans in 1884. Adolphe Sax (who died in 1894) faced ongoing challenges in Belgium: he was sued, blackmailed, robbed, almost stabbed, and even the recipient of a bomb (found underneath his bed one night). Little did he know that, meanwhile, his so-called “devil's horn” was taking root in Louisiana's juke joints. African American musician Sydney Bechet first picked up the instrument, and he influenced other musicians, including Charlie Parker and other legends. Richly detailed, wonderfully expressive illustrations complement the text perfectly; endpapers are filled with portraits of famous saxophonists cradling their instruments. A satisfying story of a persistent, creative genius. Readers will almost be able to hear soft saxophone music playing in the background. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

Booklist - 02/15/2023 The saxophone, often associated with New Orleans jazz, was actually invented in Belgium. This engaging picture-book biography of its creator, Adolphe Sax, chronicles how this once-reviled instrument (the prototype was kicked across the floor when introduced at the Belgian National Exposition) made its way around the world, gaining acceptance in Europe, traveling to Mexico with French troops, and arriving in New Orleans in 1884. Adolphe Sax (who died in 1894) faced ongoing challenges in Belgium: he was sued, blackmailed, robbed, almost stabbed, and even the recipient of a bomb (found underneath his bed one night). Little did he know that, meanwhile, his so-called “devil’s horn” was taking root in Louisiana’s juke joints. African American musician Sidney Bechet first picked up the instrument, and he influenced other musicians, including Charlie Parker and other legends. Richly detailed, wonderfully expressive illustrations complement the text perfectly; endpapers are filled with portraits of famous saxophonists cradling their instruments. A satisfying story of a persistent, creative genius. Readers will almost be able to hear soft saxophone music playing in the background. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 06/01/2023 K-Gr 3—This sweeping biography traces the life and legacy of Joseph-Antoine Adolph Sax, the inventor of the saxophone. In his youth, the curious, daydreaming boy works as an apprentice in his father's music shop, tinkering with reeds and brass components to create a new type of horn. As an adult, he champions his instrument before a skeptical public, eventually convincing countries around Europe to include it in their military marching bands. Though his widespread recognition later in life is marred by personal and financial hardship, Sax's influence spreads to America, where a series of musical innovators make the saxophone a standard of jazz performance. The well-established author-illustrator team achieves a strong, unified vision. Cline-Ransome tells the story in colorful detail, infusing the historical information with a lively, engaging voice. Ransome augments his loose, expressive line art with sparing touches of collage—notably, every saxophone in the book appears as a motley assemblage of photograph fragments, underscoring the instrument's status as an extraordinary composite. VERDICT An enjoyable read and a first purchase, especially for collections in need of accessible books on jazz history for younger readers.—Jonah Dragan - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.