Few musical genres inspire the passionate devotion of jazz. Its mystique goes far beyond the melodies and rhythms, with its key players and singers discussed by aficionados with a respect that borders on reverence. Some books on jazz offer little more than theory or dry facts, thereby relinquishing the 'essence' of the music. This book is different. One of the most influential and internationally known writers on the subject describes, through vivid personal contacts, reminiscences and zesty anecdotes, his life in jazz as a player, broadcaster and observer. Alyn Shipton recalls friendships with legendary musicians, while revealing fresh discoveries about such luminaries as Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Abbey Lincoln and Geri Allen. On Jazz powerfully evokes the atmosphere of clubs and dancehalls, and takes us behind the scenes and up onto the stage, so that this electrifying world is unforgettably spotlighted as never before.

‘This is the back story of the gods who create the magic. I loved it.'

Sonny Rollins

‘This immensely readable and compelling book describes unique encounters with the leading figures of jazz – including extensive interviews with Sonny Rollins and Oscar Peterson – from the perspective of one of the world's leading jazz authorities. Respected by musicians, fans and academics for his encyclopaedic knowledge, Alyn Shipton is familiar to wider audiences through his prolific writing, broadcasting, bass playing and bandleading. He now offers the reader fascinating insights from his life in jazz, and vividly narrates many great stories which appear in print here for the first time.'

Catherine Tackley - Professor of Music, University of Liverpool, author of Benny Goodman's Famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert and co-author of Black British Jazz

‘I've really enjoyed the convivial chat with Roy Haynes, Harry Dial's off the cuff remarks and apocryphal stories about Bud Powell. It's not hard to be re-seduced by the music – as every page is filled with unmined gemstones, from an artform you thought you knew. All too often, jazz tomes seem unnecessarily lofty, or purely academic. However, this is both a very personal semi-autobiographical journey through jazz, and it describes the social context and cultural milieu that these great innovators emerged from.'

Soweto Kinch - Musician and broadcaster

'This lively book hits all the right notes and will delight both jazz aficionados and neophytes.'

Carolyn M. Mulac Source: Library Journal

‘On Jazz covers a spectacularly extensive waterfront … this book is not a smorgasbord, it’s a feast.’

Ben Thompson Source: Mojo

'Before you even turn the dustcover, an Alyn Shipton book deserves respect.'

Source: Jazzwise

'It is hard to believe that anyone who picks up this volume with an open mind is not going to find something new, interesting, informative, or enjoyable.'

Richard J Salvucci Source: All About Jazz

‘Every music genre has its champions, people who declare fealty to it above all others. Some are professional devotees: players, educators and academics, exploring music through performance, contextualization and interpretation. Some are impresarios or producers, scouting new talents and celebrating existing ones by putting them to work, making their music heard. Alyn Shipton is all these things and more, a kind of jazz superhero.'

Maria Golia Source: Times Literary Supplement