Jazz: An Introduction to the History and Legends Behind America's Music
&#8220;Bob Blumenthal has been an excellent and principled jazz writer for many years. I respect his views and I recommend his new book.&#8221; (Sonny Rollins, living jazz legend)&#8220;Bob Blumenthal has long practiced jazz criticism with a sense of empathy for the musicians and their musical intent. He is one of the few critics whom I would consider an authority on the subject.&#8221; (Branford Marsalis, genre-spanning saxophonist)&#8220;&#8230;The single best compact introduction to jazz currently available&#8230;engaging, clearly written prose, accompanied by handsome illustrations and a short but useful glossary. Blumenthal&#8217;s &#8220;Jazz&#8221; is the ideal starting point for anyone drawn to the music for the first time.&#8221; (John E. Hasse for The Wall Street Journal)