Sophisticated Ladies: The great woman of jazz

Illustrator: Martin French

Jazz historian Gourse, combines with illustrator French to produce an attractive and informative overview of female jazz singers. Fourteen artists, from Bessie Smith to Diana Krall, are covered in biographical essays three-to-four pages long B that trace the singer's life and offer commentary on her vocal style and place in jazz history. Each essay begins with a striking, full-color portrait that captures each vocalist in her prime; the vivid colors combine effectively with the poster-style design.