Praised by the Washington Post as a "tough, unblinked critic," James Lincoln Collier is probably the most controversial writer on jazz today. With the publication of "Jazz: The American Theme Song," Collier does nothing to soften his reputation for hard-hitting, incisive commentary. Questioning everything we think we know about jazz-- its origins, its innovative geniuses, the importance of improvisation and spontaneous inspiration in a performance-- and the jazz world, these ten provocative essays on the music and its place in American culture overturn tired assumptions and will alternately enrage, enlighten, and entertain. "Jazz: The Americna Theme Song" offers music lovers razor-sharp analysis of musical trends and styles, and fearless explorations of the most potentially explosive issues in jazz today. Collier argues, for example, that although jazz was originally devised by African Americans from black folk music, jazz has long been a part of the cultural heritage of musicians and audiences of all races and classes, and is not black music per se. Impeccably researched and informed by Collier's wide-ranging intellect. "Jazz: The American Theme Song" is an important look at jazz's past, its present, and its uncertain future. It is a book everyone who cares about the music will want to read.