Beginning at the turn of the century, The Chronicle of Jazz charts the evolution of jazz from its roots in Africa and the southern United States to the myriad styles heard around the world today. The book looks closely at how jazz has influenced -- and been influenced by -- other musical and artistic forms. Each chronologically arranged section contains special features on topics ranging from the individual qualities of the bass clarinet and the jazz scene in Paris to personality sketches and seminal gigs. Cross references throughout point to related motifs, people, and music, and a complete reference section at the back contains an extensive discography, a glossary, biographies, a bibliography, and an index.

Modeled on the improvisation, interaction, and rhythm of jazz itself, this book features hundreds of rare images of all kinds, from record covers to pictures of live performances, and is accompanied by an accessible and wide-ranging text that turns music into words and history into living images. The Chronicle of Jazz is a celebration of the 20th century's most imaginative and enduring music, and an essential work of reference for all lovers of music.