Ever wondered how jazz musicians are made? How they convert their enthusiasm for jazz into becoming mature, unique jazz performers?

This book investigates that story for twenty-one of Britain's leading jazz players who are very much part of today's scene - major performers who tour the country, playing at jazz venues and festivals across Britain, not to mention Europe and America.

This is how the players see themselves. They tell the stories of their remarkable lives and musical development with a light and often humorous touch.

CONTENTS:
Foreword by David Gelly
Iain Ballamy
Denys Baptiste
Guy Barker
Alan Barnes
Bill Bruford
Ben Castle
Andy Cleyndert
Jamie Cullum
Alec Dankworth
John Donaldson
Tim Garland
Geoff Gascoyne
Nigel Hitchcock
Nikki Iles
Julian Joseph
Ingrid Laubrock
Steve Melling
Jim Mullen
David Newton
Kenrick Rowe
Clark Tracey

"The present exciting and productive period in British jazz, with its new crop of gifted new players, should surely be chronicled for posterity - and Chris Horne seems to be just the right person to do it" - JOHN DANKWORTH

"I reviewed jazz for the Times for twenty years and this is just the kind of book I needed to have back then. It would not have made me a better critic, but I would have been a so much better informed bad critic. I don't think anyone has asked young jazz musicians what they think they're doing and why they're doing it before. Brilliant." - MILES KINGTON

"This book makes for an intelligent introduction to the work and outlook on life of some of the most active musicians in Britain today. I am sure it will be enjoyed by anyone who has an interest in how British jazz is continuing to develop." - RT. HON KENNETH CLARKE

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