Who's Who of Jazz: Storyville to Swing Street

This book is an alphabetical listing of jazz musicians, all born before 1920, with pertinent and, in some cases, rather detailed biographical information given for each. Many of these names will not be found in any other jazz reference books. Chilton tries to include as much information as he can, sticking strictly to jazz related matters, all given in chronological order. Early influences, who each musician played with and when, clubs they were at, birth/death dates are all related in narrative form. Chilton is not interested in style, just in giving facts. He does no editorializing and says nothing about recording dates - indeed, you could get the impression that no one here ever saw the inside of a record studio. But at 400+ pages already Chilton might have felt the need to draw the line somewhere. Anyone interested in older styles of jazz played by the original masters (lots on New Orleans musicians are included) will find this book a handy reference tool. Highly recommended.