Odetta:The Queen of Folk by Stephen Alcorn

Odetta:The Queen of Folk by Stephen Alcorn

This is about Odetta Holmes, a folk music legend and a politcal activist. Alcorn begins when Odetta is born. As young girl, Odetta finds the piano and her voice. Alcorn shows the Jim Crow world Odetta grew up in. When Odetta gets older she uses her to bring a little peace. Alcorn uses a lyrical style, which is very fitting for a musical biography. His illustrations are vivid and beautiful.

I liked the Odetta: The Queen of Folk the first time. I only wished there was more back information. There is an There's only a page and a half Ode to Odetta. Which isn't extensive enough especially since the story itself leans more towards fictional. More back information could've round up Odetta: The Queen of Fok nicely.

I like to read picture books at least twice. Usually the second time in, I can take the time to appreicate the text and illustrations more. Or in this case spot something I missed.

Someone in Birmingham

Alabama, a long

long-time ago must've

accidentally burned

the Christmas ham

That's how the city

of Birmingham

got its nickname

Burning Ham

That's the second passage. I am surprised I didn't see that the first time. After I saw it, I couldn't unseen it. It ruined the whole book for me. I wouldn't expect Birmingham's 1960's nickname Bombingham to make it into a children's picture book.

However to spin a tale like this and say Birmingham is called Burning Ham because of a burned christmas ham seems very very wrong to me and lessens the truth of what really happened.

When I pointed this out to a friend, they suggested maybe it was something Odetta said, meant to be witty folk wisdom. That's very possible and if it was Alcorn should've referenced it in the back.

For half a second I considered not posting this, in case Odetta really did say that or something similar. Though I decided I would risk looking foolish.

I've linked this post to Non fiction Monday. The round up can be found at Wrapped in Foil this week

La Maza - Silvio Rodriguez

I live in a predominately Spanish speaking neighborhood. Sometimes when I miss the city bus, I ride the $1 van which cost a $1.50 to the train. The last time I rode the van, the driver played a song and I just had to know what it was. Its was crazy beautiful. I felt it was moved by it. I was not getting off until I found out who was singing.

The song was La Maza by Silvio Rodriquez, who is considered the best known Cuban Folk singer.* This is an amazing performance, everyones insync. From Rodriquez voice, to the guitars, percussion and Nirkua Gonazalez on flute. Gonazelez, crushes a solo about 3 minutes in. I have much respect for any flutist that can work it like that, that takes some serious breath control.



* I am going to do a quick book tie in. I recently read a great new picture book on Odetta Holmes called " Odetta :The Queen of Folk" by Stephen Alcorn. Odetta influenced many artist including Bob Dylan.

Will review The Queen of Folk after the holidays. Until then Feliz Navidad