Music journalist Friedwald collects his columns published in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Sun between 2003 and 2024 for this exuberant ode to the great jazz pianists. Beginning in turn-of-the-20th century New Orleans, Friedwald spotlights “founding fathers” like Jelly Roll Morton, who proved that jazz could “be written down, annotated, and played by ensembles of any size,” and the lesser-known Earl “Fatha” Hines. From there, Friedwald moves on to such contemporary up-and-comers as Indonesian “wunderkind” Joey Alexander, who mixes “soul and smarts” in his original compositions…. [J]azz devotees…. will be charmed by Friedwald’s lyrical prose (“On ‘Rainy Day,’ Monsieur Solal danced around the tune as though he were darting between the raindrops falling outside on Seventh Avenue”), irrepressible enthusiasm, and keen eye for jazz’s rising stars. The result is a cheerful celebration of an uniquely American musical form.

Publishers Weekly

“With his vast knowledge of the players art and his love of singers and the song, Will Friedwald always hones in on the drama, personality, and unique charisma of each musician he profiles.”

Bill Charlap