Contrary to the popular expression, a good book cover can provide a pictorial expression of the central themes contained within the book. And, it uses the visual medium to celebrate the very material substance of the book itself.
The new book by Jim Berkenstadt,
Mysteries in the Music: Case Closed, coming in
March, 2022, examines the secrets, myths, legends, hoaxes, conspiracies, and the wildly inexplicable events that are such an intriguing part of rock and roll history. After many decades, the back stories of pop and rock music lore are finally unearthed—and the truth is revealed in
Mysteries in Music: Case Closed.
But the book cover is something very special!
“When it came time to work with my publisher on the book cover, I knew I wanted something that would catch the reader’s eye and also connect them to the intriguing stories inside the book,” says Berkenstadt. “For a number of years I have been an admirer of the classic rock artwork of an artist I met on Instagram. Her name is ZINA.”
ZINA is a London-based artist who is well known for her evocative, passionate paintings of classic rock musicians. Her paintings seem to come alive.
“I paint what excites me, but ultimately I am seduced by music,” says ZINA. The artist explains her creative inspiration, “I paint portraits and subjects that are music related. I try to create meaningful and emotive works in their own right. Always driven by a concept or inspired by a piece of song or poetry.”
“It is this creative passion that convinced me her artwork would be perfect for the cover,” says the author. When you look at the portraits of the artists on the cover, you instantly know their identity. Yet, as you look further, you begin to notice and feel interesting new aspects of each Zina portrait. Something intangible and mysterious.
Berkenstadt reveals: “After ZINA graciously allowed me to license her artwork for the cover, I explained the mysteries behind these four artists and the other mysteries in the book. ZINA agreed to add a visual clue on each of her paintings.”
Can you find the clues within each picture? What do they reveal about the mystery inside the book?
They do not give away the solution to each mystery contained within the chapters, but they do provide visual allusions that will pique your interest as you delve inside to read the book.
