Just a Lucky So and So

by Lesa Cline-Ransome Narrated by Arnell Powell

Overview

Louis Armstrong has been called the most important improviser in the history of jazz. Although his New Orleans neighborhood was poor in nearly everything else, it was rich in superb music. Young Louis took it all in, especially the cornet blowing of Joe King Oliver. But after a run in with the police, 11-year-old Louis was sent away to the Colored Waif's Home for Boys where he became a disciplined musician in the school's revered marching band. By the time he returned to his neighborhood, the King himself became his mentor and invited Armstrong to play with him in Chicago. Here is a joyful tribute to the virtuoso musician and buoyant personality who introduced much of the world to jazz.

Editorial Reviews

School Library Journal - Audio

12/01/2016
PreS-Gr 3—A brief, upbeat account of the early life of Louis Armstrong and the influences that led to him becoming an outstanding jazz musician. Raised by his mother in the area of New Orleans known as the Battlefield, Armstrong had little in the way of material advantages. However, he believed that one should "never worry what the other fella has, as long as you're having fun in your own way." Armstrong received his early musical training after being sent away to the Colored Waif's Home for Boys, where he rose to the position of bandleader, and was influenced by the music of New Orleans, including brass bands, honky-tonk, and church music. King Joe Oliver was an early idol and mentor who Armstrong eventually followed to Chicago. Actor Arnell Powell's reading of this work contributes to a strong sense of being there, especially when he's performing the quotes attributed to Armstrong. The scattering of jazz throughout the recording also helps create a musical atmosphere appropriate to the story. The CD offers tracks with and without page-turn sounds. Author notes supplement the tale by highlighting Armstrong's later years. VERDICT This recording will be most effective when paired with the book, so young listeners can benefit from the combination of performed and read words, jazz clips, evocative illustrations, and author notes. ["A solid choice for school libraries and collections looking to freshen up biography collections for school-age readers": SLJ 2/16 review of the Holiday House book.]—Rebecca James, Hathaway Brown School, Shaker Heights, OH

Product Details

BN ID:	2940175578141
Publisher:	Dreamscape Media
Publication date:	08/16/2016
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	Up to 4 Years

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