Scott Chantler talks about BIX, his graphic novel about jazz great Bix Beiderbecke

Canuck artist Scott Chantler's latest work is a graphic novel about the tragic life of Iowa-born jazz cornetist/pianist Bix Beiderbecke.

Here's the scoop...
From Scott Chantler – the acclaimed Eisner Award–nominated creator of Two Generals and Northwest Passage – comes BIX, a gorgeous and spare illustrated exploration of the rapid rise and tragic fall of 1920s legendary jazz soloist Leon “Bix” Beiderbecke (1903-1931).

Told in stunning illustrations, BIX is a near-wordless graphic exploration highlighting the career of Leon Bix Beiderbecke, one of the most innovative jazz soloists of the 1920s next to the legendary Louis Armstrong. While composing and recording some of the landmark music in the early history of genre, Bix struggled with personal demons, facing the disapproval of his conservative parents and an increasing dependence on alcohol. Presented in predominantly silent panels to reflect his rebellious outsider quality and inability to communicate in anything other than his own musical terms, BIX tells the story of a music star’s rapid rise and tragic fall—a metaphor for the glories and risks inherent in the creative life. BIX was published by Gallery 13 via Simon & Schuster Canada on April 28 and is available from various online outlets.

Listen to Scott's chat with Comics Journal writer Irene Velentzas below followed by a selection of Beiderbecke's classic recordings and a recent episode of Alex Pangman's fine Swing Set program on jazzcast.ca which features some music inspired by Beiderbecke.

About the author
Scott Chantler is the acclaimed creator of the graphic novels Two Generals, Northwest Passage, and the Three Thieves series, which won a Joe Shuster Award. He has also been nominated for five Eisner Awards, two Harvey Awards, and a Doug Wright Award. Find out more at ScottChantler.com.