The Wonder of Jazz: Music That Changed The World

A wonder of a book, this book is not like other, more general jazz books. It is jam-packed with snippets, information, and advice from the people who create and sustain music. It is well-researched and includes experiences from jazz musicians who gleefully add their voices to Sammy's rich, and in-depth research. All genres, from hard bop to be-bop, vocal jazz, must instrumental, free jazz, and everything between are covered in one way or another and given Sammy's forensic eye. There is social commentary and discussions of careers in jazz music. The musical background of those in the book is rich and diverse.
Critics comment:
"This new book by Sammy Stein is a highly individual take on jazz's past, present, and future that fizzes with enthusiasm and optimism. She has taken the trouble to seek ideas and insights from hundreds of musicians. " Jazz Halo

"In each paragraph of each chapter, a lot of care is taken to provide content that the reader can trust and use. The Wonder of Jazz already has a place among the reference books on the genre and it will certainly be cited in future academic and journalistic works." Geisa Fernandes, journalist

With input from over 100 musicians, the book discusses what exactly is jazz, and how do you know you are listening to it? Do we truly know when and how jazz first originated? Who was the first jazz musician? How does jazz link to other genres? What about women in jazz? And writers and journalists? Do reviews make any difference?
This book is a deep dive into jazz's history, impact, and future. It discusses the social, cultural, and political influence of jazz and reveals areas where jazz has had an impact we may not even realize. Its influences on hip hop, the connection to third stream, classical, and other art forms are all discussed as well as the future, the impact of young people, and how they are changing established canons from within.
The journey this book takes the reader on is one of discovery and revelation.
Some of the information comes from research by the author but much comes from those in the music, those who teach, witness the reactions of an audience, and understand how relevant jazz is right now.
The book looks at jazz's game changers - the people after whom the music was never the same, civil rights, gender, jazz dynasties, and how jazz musicians have lent their power to deliver political messages in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.
A book about jazz music's vitality, energy, and dynamism, and its people, the ordinary people making extraordinary music.
Jazzwise magazine said of Sammy's work, "It's all here, beautifully written, eloquently argued, clear-eyed in its intentions and open in its invitation" and Jazz Matters said, "The sheer volume and status of the people who have given up their time to help Sammy, both women and men, is a testament to the respect Sammy has earned across the industry and the trust people have in her to relay their stories faithfully."

About the author
I’m a music writer who has spent years listening to people talk about the songs and sounds that shaped their lives. My work explores the emotional, psychological, and physical ways music supports us — how it comforts, heals, energises, and connects us, often without us realising. Especially jazz music, for me the freest way we can express ourselves, whether playing or as a listener.
I’ve written for a wide range of publications and interviewed musicians, listeners, and creatives from all walks of life. What I love most is discovering the moment music “found” someone — the memory, the feeling, or the shift that stayed with them. Those stories, along with the science behind them, inspire everything I write.