You want a good book on the history of Jazz? Read Miles Davis’ autobiography, titled simply Miles.

The language is perhaps a little colorful at times, but Miles’ life and experiences basically cover everything you need to know about the evolution of Jazz music.  He’s got tons of cool stories and perspectives, and he constantly drops these little one-liners that put an extremely complex musical idea into a very manageable box, shedding light the elusive definition of what Jazz really is.

I read this book in one day and I rarely do that kind of thing.  That was 7 or 8 years ago, and I noticed it sitting on my shelf the other day and inadvertently burned 45 minutes just looking at the pictures.

Put it on your Christmas list and you won’t be sorry.