Wondering whether that old LP you have of Lester at Birdland is available on CD? When Branford and Wynton Marsalis have recorded together? The best collection of Billie Holiday tunes? If so, then this is the book for you. This fifth edition of Penguin's definitive guide to jazz recordings on compact disc expands on the stellar reputation of its predecessors, the first of which appeared in 1992. Organized alphabetically by artist, the book boasts more than 10,000 entries (approximately 2000 more than the fourth edition), an easier-to-read, two-column format, and bright white paper stock. Cook, an editor at Jazz Review, and Morton, a BBC announcer, have reappraised entries, deleting albums that have gone out of print and adding new releases. For example, under "John Zorn," readers will notice 20 more recordings. Each entry also offers complete label and numbering information, incisive critical commentary, personnel listings, and for the first time short biographical sketches of various artists. As in previous editions, each entry is given a shorthand rating of one to four stars. The writers' wit, attention to detail, and consistently incisive commentary make this essential for even the most discriminating jazz enthusiast. Libraries without the fourth edition (1998) should definitely purchase. David Valencia, King Cty. Lib. Syst., Federal Way, WA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
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