Tad Richards has created a unique chronicle of Prestige Records and jazz in the 1950s and '60s: part history, part reminiscence, part music appreciation. This is Volume 1 of a projected series, covering virtually every tune recorded in every recording session for Prestige from 1949-1953.The unique portraits of jazz musicians throughout the book are also by Tad Richards."With his new book, Listening to Prestige, Vol. 1,Tad Richards will strike a nerve in all of us who were privileged to have lived thru the beginnings of be-bop, and with those who have since fallen under the spell of this American phenomenon. His enthusiasm will impress you (he identifies himself as a fan who doesn't really know music...as you will see, that's not quite true.)But it's his sense of organization that will increase the pleasure of revisiting these wonderful sessions from the late 40's and early 50's, by making the process clear and easy. We learn who was on each date, the repertoire, and a recommendation for listening to one prominent track from that session. All of our heroes from those days are here, with reminders of the supporting casts and relationships that we may have forgotten, or just never known.. Besides the kicks we get from reading those details, it can also be thought of as a one-of-a-kind reference book, and will surely take its place in the history of this music. The good news is that it's labeled "Volume 1", which suggests there may be more to come." -- Dave Grusin