I owned a copy of this book forty years ago. Seeing it in the library catalog, I thought it might have been updated. Nope. So there is nothing here about any jazz made since 1980. However, it's a pretty good introduction to key artists and albums in the periods of jazz before that time. There are a few glaring omissions (no Benny Carter?), but a good representation of key albums, plus some pretty substantial info about the artists and their styles, and a few entertaining anecdotes. ( )

A good starting point for exploration for jazz novices. ( )