John Coltrane lived in a world full of music. He heard it at church, and especially at home. When his father, grandfather, and grandmother all died within a short time, he wasn’t sure life could ever be okay again. His family had no money, but John turned to music to fill the hole where his Papa had been. He learned the alto saxophone, and it gave him voice. He listened to big bands and one day he listened to Charlie “Bird” Parker playing a new type of jazz, bebop, that John loved and began playing as he toured around. Still, he felt like his life was dark and empty. He lost his job because of drugs and alcohol, but he turned to the Spirit to heal him and it helped him play better than ever.

This book is a story of both jazz and religion. It is an unusual picture book in that it has a lot of text and deals with difficult subjects such as drugs and alcoholism, but it shows the development of one of the most well-known jazz saxophone players. The illustrations have bright colors that capture the vibrant spirit of jazz music. This book will be especially appealing for older children who want to learn more about jazz or about how religion can change someone’s life. ( )

This biography of the great jazz musician John Coltrane (also known as "Trane") jumps out at you from the shelves because of the spectacularly arresting illustrations by Rudy Gutierrez. The mixed media pieces combine actual pictures of Coltrane with vibrant swirling lines and colors that ably convey music and mood.

The focus of the story is on Coltrane’s struggles on the one hand, and his spiritual devotion on the other. Born in 1926, John “had a very sweet life.” But when he was 12, his father, uncle, and grandparents all died, and the surviving family members were profoundly affected. John, his mother, and his aunt had to take job at a “whites-only” country club in town and rent out their house to boarders. John listened to music to feel close to his father, who had played a number of instruments.

When John started high school, a black pastor organized a community band, and John picked up an alto sax. Finally, he felt alive again. The author writes, “Shy and quiet, he let the horn become his voice.”

After high school, the family moved, and John left for Philadelphia, “a city brimming with jazz and blues.” His Mama bought him his own sax, and he loved it so much he even slept with it. He began to play with groups. Going on tour, he felt lonely and alienated, and started drinking and using drugs. His mother and his wife Naima helped him get free of his addictions, and with their help and a return to spirituality, he began to realize personal and professional success.

He died at age 40 in 1967. The author, in an Afterword, writes that he died “from liver cancer that may have been related to his early alcohol and drug use.” Yet, he also notes:

“...it was his commitment to sobriety, for the last ten years of his life, that allowed him to pursue his spiritual vision and to create some of the most enduring music in the field of jazz.”

Evaluation: This is a lovely and sensitive book about a great artist who was a major influence on jazz. Coltrane’s saxophone playing revolutionized jazz music and his influence can still be heard today not only in jazz but in the music of rock and hi-hop artists. In 2007, Coltrane was awarded the Pulitzer Prize Special Citation for his "masterful improvisation, supreme musicianship and iconic centrality to the history of jazz." His is a story worth knowing, and this book is beautifully done. ( )

Gorgeous, deep and colorful artwork brings the evocative words to life in this biography of jazz musician John Coltrane. Artfully done. Don't let the kids miss this one. ( )

Great Biography for a musical lesson on different Jazz musicians. Has great pictures very abstract. ( )

Stunningly illustrated, informative, and insightful. ( )