The Jazz Tradition [Paperback]

When it was first published in 1970, this lively and fascinating book was greeted with almost universal acclaim.The American Record Guidecalled it the best one-volume of jazz we have, and theJazz Journalpraised it as a brilliant study of the whole of jazz. Perhaps the greatest tribute was paid by Louis Armstrong himself who raved: it held Ol' Satch spellbound. Now thoroughly revised and expanded, the new edition ofThe Jazz Traditionoffers readers a unique history of jazz, as seen through its greatest practitioners.
An original blend of history and criticism, this book explores the work of nearly two dozen leading musicians and ensembles that have shaped the course of jazz, from King Oliver's Creole Jazz band to the present day. Couched in the same readable, non-technical language that made earlier editions so popular,The Jazz Traditionadds new chapters on some of the more recent giants of jazz, performers like pianist Bill Evans, versatile horn player and saxophonist Eric Dolphy, and the World Saxophone Quartet, and considerably expands the chapter devoted to Count Basie. In addition, a foreword by Richard Crawford introduces the new edition, and the discographies on each performer have been fully brought up to date. Written by an authorThe Washington Postlauded as the most knowledgeable, open-minded, and perceptive American jazz critic today, The Jazz Traditionbelongs in the library of all lovers of this distinctly American sound.

Martin Williamshas written and edited a number of books on jazz; his articles have appeared in such places asHarper's,Saturday Review,The New York Times,High Fidelity,Stereo Review,Down Beat, andMetronome.