The Essential Jazz Records, Volume I: Ragtime to Swing

This is a very good book which will certainly become one of the essential works of reference for the jazz enthusiast. It covers the ragtime to swing period by way of 250 LPs, each of which is afforded full discographical information on dates, titles, and personnels… . The quality of the writing is extemely high, as indeed one has a right to expect from authors of this calibre… . Harrison, Fox, and Thacker have produced some beautifully composed essays on artistes such as Billie Holliday, Roy Eldridge, Duke Ellington, etc… . It is a book which needs to be dipped into frequently, a volume to keep close to one’s record collection… . It will increase immeasurably anyone’s knowledge of, and appreciation for, jazz.

The Gramophone