Drawn from the author's radio and classroom course, this introduction to jazz is written in a personal, informal style and requires no musical background. The focus is on guiding the beginning listener's ear, not on memorizing musical facts. McCalla introduces musical terms and concepts only as needed, and always in connection to specific musical compositions. He discusses “what happens” and “when it happens” to alert listeners to various features. Musical features are placed squarely in the context of jazz history, constant elements, particular styles, and specific musicians.