Bebop trumpeter and pianist, Charles Freeman Lee leaves Wilberforce Collegians jazz band of Ohio's Pre-Emancipation HBCU, Wilberforce University, to join the jazz scene in 1950s NYC, as swing gave way to bebop. He falls for Jenny, wife of vibraharpist Milt Jackson, befriends pianist Elmo Hope and eventually gigs and jams with big name and forgotten greats at Minton's and the Paradise. He has many decisions to make, but does he get the gig and the girl? "Well written and very entertaining." John Murrow, Editor of The Riff "Uniquely informed and informative, A Jazzman's Tale is especially and unreservedly recommended for community, college and university library American Music History and American Biography collections. A must read for all dedicated jazz fans!" James A. Cox, Midwest Book Review "This book differs in every sense. Instead of the usual narrative format, she opted for turning the story into a screenplay. But this one is certainly different and makes for an entertaining read. Quirky departures from the norm add to the enjoyment" Ronald Atkins, Jazz Journal "Johnson perfectly captures the tone, tenor and language of the mid-century jazz musician. A fast-moving, highly entertaining and transportive read, visually evocative, with language that echoes the spirit of improv. This book is a literary fugue in three parts" Debbie Burke, jazz author Annette Johnson is a writer with an interest in the life stories of musicians. She is on Twitter @jazzmanstale and you can email her at ajazzmanstale@gmail.com. She is a jazz fan and enjoys films and music. This book, A Jazzman's Tale, contains three parts: A. The Screenplay This funny, well written screenplay is based on live interviews with the jazzman protagonist, Charles Freeman Lee in Paris where he was still gigging, hanging out and sharing his memories of the 1950s New York City bebop scene with his pals. Freeman, as he was better known, is listed in the Jazz Encyclopedia by Leonard Feather. It is an informative and emotionally engaging read that entertains as it informs. Freeman's authentic voice - jazz slang and all - jumps off every page. Freeman left Ohio in 1950 to head to New York City to make it on trumpet in the bebop scene at the Paradise and Minton's Playhouse. While at Wilberforce University Freeman played trumpet in Wilberforce Collegians Jazz Band. Other HBCUs had jazz bands - Howard University had the Howard Swingmasters, Alabama State University had the Bama State Collegians. The bands com