Where the Dark and the Light Folks Meet: Race and the Mythology, Politics, and Business of Jazz

“In contrast to some works about race and jazz, Sandke's is thoroughly researched and documented. He loves the music deeply and is frustrated that it may be compromised by politics, internal and external. His positions will likely draw fire--and praise. This is an important addition to the literature of jazz. Summing Up: Essential. All readers"— August 2010, Choice

"What Randy Sandke has to say in these pages is bound to make you think anew about jazz—agree with him or not. And he speaks from the heart."— Dan Morgenstern, Director, Institute of Jazz Studies, Rutgers University; dean of jazz historians; and editor of the Studies in Jazz series

“Like Sandke’s trumpet playing, the book is brilliant and free of cliché…This important book is both brave and provocative, challenging the reader to rethink flimsily-based, partisan assumptions. Open-minded jazz fans of all ages and interests should find it instructive and stimulating and a joy to read.”--Bob Weir, Jazz Journal International

“In his new book, musician, harmonic theorist, and writer Randall Sandke (we know him as Randy) has done a magnificent job of spring cleaning jazz’s mythic house, writing truths others wouldn’t.  It might be the only book of its kind; it needed to be written.  More to the point, it needs to be read”— Michael Steinman, Jazz Lives

"Randy Sandke brings his wide range of experience as a jazz musician and composer to a discussion of jazz history and jazz criticism that is must reading for anyone interested in the elements—and the people—that have created the canons and contradictions of this endlessly fascinating art form."—George Avakian, record producer and jazz historian

“This amateur historian's book, more lucid and straightforward than most professional jazz critic-chroniclers could dream of producing, deserves every history-minded jazz fan's attention."—February 2010, Booklist, Starred Review

"Randy Sandke's research and documentation are thorough. His insights and opinions are forthright. His book will infuriate its targets, those in the music world who place myth, race, nationality, sociology, politics and commerce above music itself. Everyone else will find it revealing, thought-provoking and helpful."— Doug Ramsey, author of Jazz Matters: Reflections on the Music and Some of its Makers

“It is a book that needed to be written and seems sure to inspire countless lines of fresh academic enquiry."— Stuart Nicholson, author of Is Jazz Dead?: Or has It Moved to a New Address

"With a much-needed blend of careful research, common sense, passion, insight, and (at times) indignation, Randy Sandke sets the record straight about how the divisive racial mythology of jazz's origins and nature came to be. One hopes that Where the Dark and the Light Folks Meet will do as much good as it deserves to do."— Larry Kart, author of Jazz In Search of Itself.