Satchmo: The Wonderful World and Art of Louis Armstrong By Steven Brower Introduction by Hilton Als (Abrams) A quick scan of Amazon reveals no shortage of Louis Armstrong books. Most angles would appear to be covered, but Steven Brower’s found an approach that’s a little different. It seems that not only was Armstrong the leading jazz musician and bandleader of his day, but also something of a visual artist. It’s his collages that provide the bulk of the material here, and it’s a fascinating collection of artwork that reflects Armstrong’s eye for a potent image. They’re also a riveting gallery that reflects an evolving black America. Most of the collages were made on recording tape boxes, feature photographs of Armstrong and his colleagues, friends and passing acquaintances in a series of jazz locations; nightclubs, parties, etc. They ooze energy and sophistication, and interestingly, a certain elicit decadence. The book is beautifully presented, big and solid, and I’m tempted to go out and buy a coffee table, just to put it on. Steven Brower, art director of the New York Times, and creator of the award winning book Woody Guthrie Artworks, has uncovered a whole new aspect to one of the most important musicians of the last hundred years. That’s quite something. Rob F. Next