Stuart Nicholson is Professor at Leeds College of Music. He has written six books on jazz including biographies of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. In 2007 Stuart received the Jazz Journalist of the Year award. His work has appeared in all major newspapers in the UK and the United States.
"""An important contribution to jazz history by one of our leading writers, whose scholarly and artful evolutional guide navigates the listener boldly through the world of jazz. It is marked by formidable research and a passionate commitment to distilling the styles and major moments in this century of jazz, that open the door and your ears to a truly beautiful journey."" -- Professor Tommy Smith - Artistic Director of Jazz, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Scottish National Jazz Orchestra ""Stuart Nicholson leads the reader on a step-by-step journey to unlock the mysteries of jazz. Though geared towards neophytes, the most seasoned jazz fan will learn much in these pages."" -- Randy Sandke - American jazz trumpeter and guitarist ""Far more than a beginner's guide, this book is Stuart Nicholson's enlightened and enlightening view of jazz – enough so to make even experienced jazz fans listen with fresh ears."" -- Bill Kirchner – Musician, producer and educator"