Book Review: Up From the Cradel of Jazz

Reviewed by Austin Webre

Up from the Cradle of Jazz by Jason Berry, Jonathan Foose, and Tad Jones, is a chronicle of music and musicians from the 1940s to the late 2000’s.

Published in 2009, it serves as an educational book for those interested in the history of New Orleans and its music.

Beginning with a look into the origins of Jazz and R&B (Rhythm and Blues), this book then delves into the lives of two extremely important musicians: Professor Longhair and Fats Domino. Other topics include music as a tradition, change of music through the 60s and 70, the effect of Mardi Gras Indians on New Orleans music and the vision of musicians for the people of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city.

Up from the Cradle of Jazz is great for any one interested in the history of New Orleans music, especially R&B. I thought this book had a lot of interesting views and ideas about music and its influences.

Austin Webre is a sophomore in the Gifted program at Hahnville High. He enjoys, listening to as well as playing music and reading, specifically about history and music.

Book reviews are published weekly in agreement with Hahnville High School gifted English teacher Deborah Unger in conjunction with the Brown Foundation Service Learning Program.