Jill Scott is the real deal. Whether singing soulful lyrics or penning passionate poetry, she keeps things real and relatable.
As we conclude National Poetry Month, I wanted to share this gem that I discovered yesterday at my local library's poetry fest. And had the pleasure of taking home with me (from their free table of literature for visiting patrons).
It must have been serendipity that I stumbled upon it, folks; as I have been a huge fan of Jill's for many years.
Jill's jazzy, eclectic music has served as my muse for endless hours, while toiling away in my home office. It has even inspired me to create a piece in her honor. Which I will share at the end of this post.
THE REVIEW* HERE'S THE 4-1-1
In her first-ever poetry collection, she reveals to readers a myriad of emotions, experiences, and perspectives as she explores love, loss, and her evolution into womanhood. Her style is authentic and unapologetic.
She brings to mind a mixture of Aretha Frankin, Bonnie Raitt, and Beyonce all rolled up into one. She is dynamic and diverse.
This page-turner is engaging, honest, humorous, thought-provoking, wicked, wise, and wonderful.
HERE'S A BRIEF SAMPLE FROM THE BOOK...
BLUE
I put food coloring in my bath yesterday
Sat in a pretty blue
Let the drops fall from my finger tips
Onto my breast and my stomach
I just wanted to look how I feel
Without you...
As a point of reference here, I have a pretty extensive collection of books in my personal library, with poetry titles authored from an array of singers, TV personalities, and even the standard classics. They include books by Tupac, Alicia Keys, Danielle Steel, and others.
I would have to say that Ms. Scott's book is to date my favorite. Besides the excellent poetry, this 124-page collection has lovely illustrations, interesting photography, and formatting that varies with different poetic themes.
Also worth mentioning is her selection of clever Haikus. Impressive indeed.
I would rate "The Moments, the Minutes, the Hours" ***** 5 stars out of 5. It will be worth every moment, minute, hour you spend reading it. Trust me here.
Now, as mentioned before, here's the poem I wrote and dedicated to Jill Scott back in 2006, in my poetry book entitled "The Leather Pants...And Other Provocative Pieces."
Page 53
A TRIBUTE TO JILL SCOTT
U
Make notes
Gloat
Each time
You release them
Into the universe,
Proud to be
The medium
By which
You move so many,
Privileged
For their part,
In the joy
You create
(c) 2006 Jennifer Brown Banks
Check out the reviews (or order your copy) here:
https://www.amazon.com/Moments-Minutes-Hours-Poetry-Scott/dp/0312329628
Thanks for reading.
Thoughts? Comments?
What a great find, Jen! Thanks for sharing, and thanks for your review. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed! To quote a famous commercial: "I'm lovin' it!"
DeleteJennifer, I really enjoyed this post. Thanks for sharing information on Jill's first collection. I will be checking it out. Your tribute poem is also lovely. This was a great review.
ReplyDeleteHi Yasmin,
DeleteWelcome back. Thanks so much for taking the time to weigh in. It matters. :-) Please try to get your hands on her book soon. It does not disappoint!