3.5/5. I loved the story arc of the protagonist and the writing about not just music itself, but the inner call initiating this path towards jazz music. However, I was left with the feeling of a flawed story structure that did not require 3 different points of view (son, father, aunt), which weakened the bildungsroman trajectory. It should have all been Jeremy’s story to tell. The father and aunt’s views were rather flat, and I felt myself fatigued most during these sections.
Some very interesting supporting characters (Tim, Percy) who always refreshed the storyline whenever they appeared: Percy, an afro-american, valve trombone player(!), offered insight into racism both in America & Britain, and showed that black jazzmen in Paris were not just accepted but welcomed - I really wanted to be friends with Percy too; and Tim, a free-loading, good-time charlie character, was fun to read about his picaresque approach to life, sex, booze, money, and a loose relationship with the law.
Ok story, but for a better read I would recommened Frank Conroy’s “Body & Soul” if you’ve not read it yet.