I See the Rhythm
I See the Rhythm
Select a format:
Paperback ©2005--
To purchase this item, you must first login or register for a new account.
Lee & Low Publishers
Annotation: Chronicles and captures poetically the history, mood, and movement of African American music.
Genre: [Music]
 
Reviews: 7
Catalog Number: #4388996
Format: Paperback
Copyright Date: 2005
Edition Date: 1998 Release Date: 05/31/12
Illustrator: Wood, Michele,
Pages: 32 pages
ISBN: 0-89239-212-6
ISBN 13: 978-0-89239-212-4
Dewey: 780
LCCN: 97029310
Dimensions: 22 x 27 cm.
Language: English
Reviews:
ALA Booklist

Igus' prose poems and Wood's evocative paintings combine to give a succinct overview of African American music. A useful time line sets the social context, and brief paragraphs describe the various types of music, from African origins and slave songs through ragtime; the blues; big band, bebop, and cool jazz; gospel; rhythm and blues; and the contemporary sounds of rock, hip-hop, and rap. Igus effectively uses snippets from song lyrics to communicate both a feel for the music itself and a sense of how the various styles played to the emotions of the musicians and their fans (From the basements to the rooftops, / I see the cool tones of modern jazz / escape the city heat). Wood's paintings are equally suggestive. Mixing modernist and primitive styles and using color nicely to communicate musical style and tone, her art not only complements the text but vivifies it. Audience may be a problem: the supportive text is too sophisticated for younger readers to grasp themselves, and the format may alienate some older readers. Perhaps best used in a junior-high classroom with audio accompaniment, this striking book, in the hands of a creative teacher or librarian, could give kids a feeling for the majesty, creativity, and continuity of African American music. (Reviewed February 15, 1998)

Horn Book

Although the book's paintings and poetry provide vivid images of the music of Black America--including slave songs, blues, ragtime, gospel, different jazz genres, rap, funk, and soul--the historical information provided in the text consists almost entirely of a too brief and disconnected chronology. The book will be most effective if used with other, more informative books on the subject.

Kirkus Reviews

The collaborators on Going Back Home (1997) return with a stunning history of African-American music. They begin 500 years ago, on the African continent, chronicle the slave trade, and document the work songs and spirituals of American slaves. The blues, ragtime, jazz, gospel, R&B, rock, funk, rap, and hip hop all come under scrutiny in free-verse poems that incorporate lyrics about and the rhythms of every style. In addition, Igus has added a brief description of each musical movement and a terrific timeline noting highlights of African-American history—both musical and more general information—which roots the whole book in a broader context. Wood's vibrant paintings are based in historical detail, and resonate with emotion. The color choices, postures of the figures, as well as the expressions on their faces, reflect various aspects of African-American music; the pictures broadcast joy, innovation, and exuberance in the face of systematic oppression. A child hidden in each scene adds a nice piece of personality for readers to interpret. Stylish and lively design pulls it all together into an absorbing, attractive package. (Picture book. 7-9)

Word Count: 1,372
Reading Level: 5.1
Interest Level: 1-4
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 5.1 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 46087 / grade: Lower Grades
Reading Counts!: reading level:6.8 / points:3.0 / quiz:Q16208
Lexile: NP

From Michele Wood and Toyomi Ingus, the award-winning artist and author of Going Back Home, comes their second book, i see the rhythm, a uniquely visual and poetic introduction to the history of African American music. Beginning with the roots of black music in Africa and continuing on to contemporary hip hop, i see the rhythm takes us on a musical journey through time. We are invited to feel the rhythm of work songs on a southern plantation, to see the rhythm of jazz from a balcony in New Orleans, to dance to the rhythm of swing at the Savoy in Harlem, and to rejoice to the rhythm of gospel from a church pew on a Sunday morning. Each stunning spread-including art, poetic text, a description of the music style, and a time line of selected historical events-encompasses the spirit of the times and the strength of the communities where the music was born. Igus's lyrical text, matched with Wood's daring vision, captures the feel of each style of music and pays tribute to the musicians who gave the music life.


*Prices subject to change without notice and listed in US dollars.
Perma-Bound bindings are unconditionally guaranteed (excludes textbook rebinding).
Paperbacks are not guaranteed.
Please Note: All Digital Material Sales Final.