Southern Breeze 2007 Fall Issue

words & notes Murder, He Wrote by ROSLYN LOWE WYNTON MARSALIS: FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE PENITENTIARY by DEBORAH BURST Wynton Marsalis celebrates the roots of jazz and ike Trees, Walking, the debut novel from gifted storyteller Ravi Howard, explores the impact of a tragic event on the lives of the Deacon family, when their eldest son, Paul, discovers his best friend, Michael Donald, a 19year-old black youth, hanging from a tree with his throat cut. The effect of this tragedy, years after the civil rights movement had been fought and presumably won and at least 25 years since the last lynching had been recorded, is based on an actual event that took place in 1981 during the author’s—as well as the main character’s—adolescence. We observe life in Mobile during that time; its beauty, the sweetness and quiet of the Southern lifestyle. Mayberry! The role of honor and duty to family —to the point of repression—is expressed in great detail through the thoughts and observations of Roy, the youngest son of the Deacon family. The Deacons have survived for seven generations in the funeral business and expect their sons to continue the business. The author captures the bizarre details involved in the day-to-day existence of a family involved in the business of death—including their value and connection to the community. Howard gives authentic voice to his characters as he examines the lives of families and their ties to each other as well as to the other members of the town. The author’s gift for factual as well as emotional fidelity is brought to life as he takes us through the emotions of the older generation of blacks as they experience or re-experience—through the opening of old wounds—fear for their children and despair of what they had hoped would be the era of the New South. We discern Mayberry’s underbelly. The lynching triggered a year of tragedy and loss. Justice is eked out—for six years—until the Ku Klux Klansmen, who perpetrated the crime, are brought to justice and driven to bankruptcy. L blues with his latest CD “From the Plantation to the Penitentiary,” a bold examination of the pain and suffering of America’s social, moral, and economic backbone. The staccato beat of punchy lyrics married with Wynton’s rambling horn brings visions of smoky coffee shops full of snapping fingers. In a 60s brand of protest, this master musician uses music to educate and motivate with no fear of consequence. Each song takes on a new life and, in the true tradition of jazz, sometimes wanders aimlessly with no apparent direction. Jazz lovers will enjoy the free-spirited instrumentals, but those who prefer a more orderly, rhythmic beat may grow impatient. Raw lyrics, soulful jazz, and bouncy blues make for a somber mood, but the energy inside the music brings hope to Wynton’s world of woe. New to the Marsalis team, Jennifer Sanon’s alto vocals add a sultry spin to the sensual cries of Wynton’s horn blowing on the track Love and Broken Hearts, a perfect companion to low lights and romance. His low-key Big Easy charm shines through in a rare vocal performance in Where Y’all At? In this preachy ballad, Wynton’s brassy voice questions the leaders of today, demanding people to unite and to fight for their freedom: “We supposed to symbolize and freedom pride, But we got scared after King and the Kennedys died, We take corruption and graft in stride.” WYNTON MARSALIS BY JOANNE SAVIO 12 s o u t h e r n b re e z e . c o m http://southernbreeze.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Southern Breeze 2007 Fall Issue

Editor's Letter Contributor Gumbo Words & Notes Accessories Coastal Calendar Storefronts: French Flair in Fairhope Sweet Dreams: Smooth Sailing Art of Living: The Colors of Hope Fixtures: Shake It Up! Live Here: Filled to the Brim Our Backyard: Just Add Water Make Yourself at Home: Open Invitation Pierless Pleasures Always Biloxi Spirited Away Reef Madness Louisiana Love Cheers: Fall Freeze Dish: Java Servers Reader Services Chef's Table: The Kid Inside Let's Eat: Cornbread, Catheads, and Calas Last Bite

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