Ik Ben een Gemankeerde Saxofonist is a detailed record and exploration of the relationship the poet/painter Lucebert had with jazz. It has poems and works of art by him, it has photos, it has a large number of contributions by other writers, it has a description of Lucebert’s impressive collection of jazz and blues discs, and it has two CDs, one with new music and the other with an archive recording.
Down to the last detail, the book has been put together and designed with careful attention – plus a great deal of ingenuity. The two CDs are tucked away behind the back flap. The binding is in the Swiss sewn style, but here attached to the front cover rather than the more usual back. This makes it possible for the CDs to have their own place while allowing the book to remain flexible enough for easy reading.
The whole thing comes in a cunning slip-on cover folded out of thin card which nevertheless provides sturdy protection. It is a pity the print run was no larger: the book was sold out in no time. According to the publishers it cannot be reprinted for financial reasons. ‘I hope they can keep going for a long time to come.’
Honorary appreciation Best Book Design from all over the World, Leipzig 2014