Reviews

In his collected works, leading jazz critic Whitney Balliett captures the evolution of the musical style since the mid-1950s. Jazz is an improviser's art, many spontaneous creations are never recorded. His journal documents performances at small clubs and large festivals alike. He writes critical profiles of jazz artists, covering names such as Armstrong, Ellington, Lovano and Marsalis. Musical forms, such as boogie-woogie, blues and swing, are addressed, along with the histories of various instruments synonymous with this musical genre.

Like the best music writers, Balliet's evocation of these sounds makes you want to rush to your CD collection or to a record shop and listen to the music yourself. I can't think of a higher compliment.