Hentoff has spent roughly six decades covering the world of jazz, and he’s collected his thoughts and memories in a new book, At the Jazz Band Ball: Sixty Years on the Jazz Scene.

In a series of novels and movies, Chan captured American imaginations between the 1920s and the 1950s. But today, he’s considered a stereotypical relic from a less racially sensitive time.

What could be better than settling down in your favorite comfy chair with a great book? If you need some help choosing a good read, take a look at my Top 10 list and see if one of these books sparks your interest.

As luck would have it or Karma or the good nature of some of my fine, upstanding listeners, I was able to get some new music (for me, anyway), from Russia, Vietnam and Scotland. Good music ahead, on this week’s World Music Show.