Three of a Kind

Written by Carr Center Artistic Director, Terri Lyne Carringtopn, this non-fiction illustrated poem is about three women who became musical companions through their love of jazz.

It’s the story of Detroit’s own Geri Allen, Terri Lyne Carrington and Esperanza Spalding and how they toured the world, sharing their love for each other and their listeners, while igniting imaginations and challenging perceptions of gender roles in their beloved art form.

This poem is written and illustrated in the spirit of encouraging young girls from all over to play instruments and dream big.

Reviews for the Book:

Angela Davis, cultural icon and author of Blue Legacies and Black Feminism.

“With its gorgeous graphics, this captivating and inspiring book places the story of three phenomenal musicians– Gerri Allen, Terri Lyne Carrington, and esperanza spalding – at the center of jazz-making,exactly where it belongs. Another tour de force by TLC, who always reminds us that jazz without patriarchy is yet to come” 

Cécile McLorin Salvant, Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist and visual artist:

“Terri Lyne Carrington is a driving force for all those who get a chance to know her. She pulls our creative energy out of us, even when it’s hard for us to access it. Similarly, in Three of a Kind, TLC offers readers of all ages a stimulus to move and to persevere, no matter how out of place we feel.”

Carrie Mae Weems, World-renowned Artist and Photographer: 

“There is a world out there waiting for women to bring forth sounds of music seldom heard. As a young girl playing drums, TLC felt the magical and transformative power of music; in these pages, one of the great drummers of a generation invites other young girls to discover it too.”

Oliver Ragsdale, Jr., President and CEO of the Carr Center. 

“We love Three of a Kind, the messaging is part of the mission of the organization, which recently celebrated its year long 30th anniversary. This project is particularly special because Gerri Allen was our first artistic director and following her passing, I met Terri Lyne, who is our current artistic director. We are also committed to supporting women musicians and Terri’s ongoing work on jazz and gender justice.”

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