Far more than an A–Z guide to the artists and bands who have shaped jazz, this invaluable resource also tracks the history of jazz and its changing styles and terminology. Whether readers want to know why Louis Armstrong was called Satchmo, what bebop is, or the difference between Gil Evans and Bill Evans—this wonderfully accessible book has all the answers.

• Contains sixty pages of photos
• Includes more than 2,000 entries on jazz artists and bands
• Provides clear definitions of key terms such as swing and fusion