Xam Wilson Cartier

Xam Wilson Cartiér (born 1949) is an American writer from St. Louis, Missouri, author of two critically acclaimed novels, "Be-Bop, Re-Bop" and "Muse-Echo Blues". She incorporates the language and rhythm of jazz music into her narratives. Her work is a criticism of racism and promotes black speech and music in her narrative. Cartier is also a pianist, artist and dancer. Her name "Xam" means harmony in Senegalese.
Cartier's 1987 book "Be-Bop, Re-Bop" focuses on the role of jazz in helping the narrator to adapt to the struggles of building a new life and identity. Her other book, "Muse-Echo Blues" (1991), examines the impact of jazz on black culture. She has been compared to other African-American authors such as Ralph Ellison and Ntozake Shange, whose works examine the connection between music and culture.