Wow! This is an incredible audiobook. The book is not nearly as effective without the accompanying audio. Multiple narrators read and/ or sing throughout the recording. This was very effective, since male and female voices sing at the same time. I like that both genders are represented equally in the jazz numbers. The narrators have such smooth, melodic voices. I found myself swaying along to the rhythm as I listened to the jazz lyrics read and sung aloud. It was extremely pleasant to listen to. I liked the variety of fast paced performances and slower ones. The voices were appropriate to each selection read. There was a variety of pitch and volume which keep the listener engaged. For example, track 16 slows down and the speakers are speaking so softly (but in a good way.) You just want to lean in to hear what is being said. You feel like you are right there at the performance.

As far as pacing, I really enjoyed the variety. Some tracks were fast, others slow. Depending on the content of the selection the pacing was perfect. The music is the highlight of this audio CD. The introduction to jazz is a straight read. Then the selections start. Most are sung with accompanying trumpets, saxophones, drums, keyboard, etc. The production would not be effective without the accompanying music. The music is very well made and sounds professional. I enjoyed the way the glossary had alternating narrators for each new term. This made it easy to follow along with each new word listed.

There are not cues at the start of each new track. Only the title of the selection is stated and then the selection is read or sung. The music changes with each new track. There is a separate section for the introduction and glossary. There was not any advertising present.

The print and audio truly need to be used together. Without the beautiful images in the book, the music is not as effective alone. Also it is necessary to see the glossary and timeline in person, as well as listening to it being read aloud.

The sound quality is superior. It sounds very professional and well made. It is clean and crisp. I was not able to hear where sessions began or ended. Tracking is done at appropriate intervals. Most tracks are about two minutes long. The packaging is beautiful. The cover art is attractive and attention grabbing. The illustrations in the book are bright and filled with the spirit of jazz. The packaging includes a brief summary of the book, a biography of Walter Dean Myers and a listing of performers on the CD. This is best audiobook for children I have listened to.