ISBN10: 0805070680, ISBN13: 9780805070682, [publisher: Times Books] Softcover First Edition First Edition 2002, 1st printing. Bright clean & tight copy, unread, in FINE condition. "A Love Supreme, Miles Ahead, Brubeck Time, Blues and Roots, Way Out West. Whether you're a newcomer just beginning your library of recordings or a longtime fan looking to deepen your understanding, you are sure to delight in New York Times jazz critic Ben Ratliff's assertive, writerly, and deeply knowledgeable collector's guide. Full of opinions and insights, here is an aficionado's take on the one hundred greatest recorded works of jazz." [publisher copy] "Ratliff's essential jazz records book separates itself from the herd at once by starting its chronological listing with The Creators of Jazz by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, the white outfit that ever since it recorded jazz first has been tarred for crudely ripping off black music. Ratliff defends the ODJB's music making as well as its historic importance while granting that its leader may have been the worst racist in jazz history. Later, he includes, with warm appreciation, Latin jazz players Chano Pozo, Machito, Eddie Palmieri, and Moacir Santos, who aren't even listed in some huge jazz record guides. He has smart and persuasive essays on why underrated popular jazzmen John Kirby, Ahmad Jamal, and 'Baby Face' Willette deserve places in the pantheon. He even gives ...