Blue Note is a label that stands for more than just the extraordinary music in its catalogue. The label's story has hitherto been told only through collections of art and photography, foregrounding the label as an arbiter of style that continues to have great influence. Francis Wolff's photography, coupled with Reid Miles' designs, sets an unrepeatable standard which has become a classic design symbol.

But of course it was not only style and elegance in design that set Blue Note apart: Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Sonny Rollins and - perhaps the archetypal Blue Note group - Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers all made their most significant early recordings under the auspices of the Blue Note genius.

The body of this book is a detailed history of the label from its beginnings in 1939, it development, rise, fall, and rebirth. Also included is a parallel analysis of all the major records released by the label throughout its history.

RICHARD COOK has written about jazz and other music for some twenty-five years. He is currently the editor of Jazz Review.

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