The Story of the Saxophone

A couple years ago I had the privilege of attending a Jazz concert in Preservation Hall in New Orleans. Their mission is to preserve the history of the music that is often inextricably linked to this Louisiana city. But the story of Jazz begins thousands of miles away and over a hundred years ago in the town of Dinant, Belgium, in 1814. Author Lesa Cline-Ransome gives us a glimpse into the inauspicious beginnings of this instrument in the workshop of young Joseph-Antoine Adolphe Sax. The vibrant illustrations of James E Ransome bring the story to life as Adolphe puts his curious mind to work in the invention of a new instrument. The reader will bemoan Adolphe’s setbacks as he tries to gain acceptance for the accomplishment that some assign as the devil’s work and will cheer for him as his skill and perseverance eventually earns him a respected spot in musical society. Neither the historical nor biographical information is extensive, but will undoubtedly whet the appetite of young readers to learn more about both!

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