“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
“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