If you recognise the man on the cover, you'll know you want to read this book. If you don't, I'm here to tell you - it is Chet baker - then you need to read this book. You may think that some of the pieces in here are not for you (Sinatra, Muddy Waters, whoever) but you'd be wrong. Richard Williams' writing brings each musician to life. If you've blood in your veins you'll immediately want to rush out and sample their music. It was published in 2000 and therefore should be viewed almost as a review of popular music of the 20th century. Rolling Stone magazine would call these 'think pieces'. But that barely does them justice.

I have read other books by this author and to my mind he is one of the best and most thoughtful writers out there. It is no wonder Miles Davis showed even a white Englishman such respect. But maybe I'm biased, as I happen to agree with every word of his portrait of Miles.

you like this, definitely find yourself a copy of Nick Kent's The Dark Stuff. These two books make great companion pieces. ( )