Xam Wilson Cartier

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Xam Wilson Cartiér (born 1949) is an American writer from St. Louis, Missouri, author of two critically acclaimed novels, Be-Bop, Re-Bop and Muse-Echo Blues.[1] She incorporates the language and rhythm of jazz music into her narratives. Her work is a criticism of racism and promotes black speech and music in her narrative. Cartier is also a pianist, artist and dancer. Her name "Xam" means harmony in Senegalese.[1]

Cartier's 1987 book Be-Bop, Re-Bop focuses on the role of jazz in helping the narrator to adapt to the struggles of building a new life and identity. Her other book, Muse-Echo Blues (1991), examines the impact of jazz on black culture. She has been compared[by whom?] to other African-American authors such as Ralph Ellison and Ntozake Shange, whose works examine the connection between music and culture.

Bibliography[edit]

  • Be-Bop, Re-Bop, Available Press/Ballantine, 1987, ISBN 978-0345348333, 1990 ISBN 978-0345367648.
  • "Be-Bop, Re-Bop & All Those Obligates", New American Short Stories 2, anthology, New American Library, 1989.
  • Muse-Echo Blues, Harmony, 1991.
  • "Be-Bop, Re-Bop", Moment’s Notice: Jazz in Poetry and Prose, anthology, Coffee House Press, 1993.
  • "From Be-Bop, Re-Bop," Ain’t But a Place: An Anthology of African American Writings About St. Louis, Missouri Historical Society Press, 1998.
  • "A Gypsy in Germany", Essence, 1992.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Alic, Margaret. "Cartier, Xam Wilson". Encyclopedia.com.