Long Distance Call: Writings on Music Book

It is a rare skill to be able to appreciate the historic artistry of the great figures in popular music—and rarer still when that appreciation is generous enough to embrace both the cool poise of Miles Davis and the unabashed passion of Bruce Springsteen. Over the last 30 years, Richard Williams has become one of Britain's foremost music writers, focusing his attention on those artists whose careers deserve not only respect but serious study. Now the very best of Williams' writing, which first appeared in publications ranging from Melody Maker to The Times, is collected here. Whether the subject is Duke Ellington or Chet Baker, Gladys Knight or The Velvet Underground, this is the music that has endured. And in its cool, considered intelligence, Long Distance Call is writing that may well last as long as the musicians it celebrates.

Sunday Times

A treasure trove of cracking insights and fascinating reportage from a hugely gifted and knowledgeable music writer.