The Jazz Book: From Ragtime to the 21st Century
“Absolutely superb, probably the best organized book on jazz that I have ever read. Invaluable for reference and truly scholarly as well as entertaining.”  —John Hammond, legendary record producer, Columbia Records“The largest selling jazz history ever . . . Berendt thoroughly covers styles and musicians along with blues, harmony, melody, and other elements of jazz, instruments, vocalists, big bands, and combos.” —Booklist“A marvelously erudite yet readable encyclopedia of jazz . . . It could serve as a good introduction for someone just getting interested in the music. And it could also satisfy the omnivorous taste of even the oldest aficionado . . . A worthy addition to anyone’s music library.”  —Hartford Courant