Like Dizzy Gillespie's Cheeks

Scott E. Smith
iUniverse (2008)
ISBN 9780595475292
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (8/08)



Scott E. Smith has fashioned “Like Dizzy Gillespie’s Cheeks” as a memoir narrated by a fictional character, Sam Greene. The story takes place in Chicago in 1999.

Scott’s character Sam Greene took on a life of his own. I was drawn into his offbeat humor, his outlook on life, uncertainty about death, and a unique and personal opinion on core values. He became vulnerable as a character when he shared his personal feelings, insecurities, achievements, and thoughts on his friendships and his relationships. 

Whether it was Sam Greene or Scott Smith I bonded with, I am not sure, but I felt like I was visiting with an old friend who had just lost a very special personal “someone” and was entering into an unknown area of the grieving process.

Sam’s indecisiveness, his short attention span, a loyalty to music and, a dedication to his mentor, Ben Webster, the pianist, (not the saxophone player), add to the complexities of his life. These same traits came through in his emotional psyche as he flip flops between an unhealthy relationship with Liz,  an heiress, and Kate, a reporter, pursuing a story about his friend Ben.

In short fast-moving chapters, Sam Greene narrates the story of his friend, and long-time mentor, Ben Webster’s life as a jazz pianist. As he relates his story of Ben’s life, Sam also gives the reader glimpses into the history of jazz as he introduces some names of jazz greats. Smith’s own love for jazz comes across in his writing.

Scott’s character development is strong. His characters are believable. The narrative takes on the authenticity of a memoir or informal biography.  Smith’s writing is filled with tongue-in-cheek humor and satire.

The rambling rabbit trails and off-beat stories added to the suspense, conflict, and resolution that became a kind of addiction keeping me glued to the pages, afraid I might miss an innuendo, or incident. I found myself frequently moving from a wide grin to an audible laugh that starts deep within to become a hearty, healthy, roll with laughter experience.

“Like Dizzy Gillespie’s Cheeks” by Scott E. Smith is entertaining, informative, and hilariously funny!

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