Philip Larkin was one of Jazz's most eloquent and enthusiastic commentators. This volume collects the whole of his output on that subject, spanning the years between 1961 and 1971. Larkin says of his articles:
'I tried in writing them to be fair and conscientious, and there were many times when I substituted "challenging" for "insolent", "adventurous" for "excruciating", and "colourful" for "viciously absurd" in a thoroughly professional manner.
Although my critical principle has been Eddie Condon's "As it enters the ear, does it come in like broken glass or does it come in like honey?", I've generally remembered that mine was not the only ear in the world. Above all, I hope they suggest I love jazz'.