"Stokes has spent three decades covering the jazz scene. With this breakthrough book, he draws on that rich store of knowledge and friendship to introduce us to the jazz life." "Stokes illuminates the lives of the artists and the sheer pleasure of the sounds they create. In some forty interviews with saxophonists, pianists, singers, composers, and string, brass, and rhythm players, he paints a vivid portrait of their lives and influences, including the role of their families and childhood environments. The musicians discuss how they became interested in jazz as youngsters and how they became part of the jazz scene." "Stokes ranges around the globe, both physically and culturally, in his interviews, introducing us to vaudeville stars, blues musicians, and a dozen women instrumentalists - such as acclaimed violinist Regina Carter - out of the many who now shine on a scene where they were once limited to vocals alone."--BOOK JACKET.