In jazz parlance, playing changes refers to an improvisers resourceful path through a chord progression. In this definitive guide to the jazz of our time, leading critic Nate Chinen boldly expands on that idea, taking us through the key changes, concepts, events, and people that have shaped jazz since the turn of the centuryfrom Wayne Shorter and Henry Threadgill to Kamasi Washington and Esperanza Spalding; from the phrase Americas classical music to an explosion of new ideas and approaches; from claims of jazzs demise to the living, breathing scene that exerts influence on mass culture, hip-hop, and R&B. Grounded in authority and brimming with style, packed with essential album lists and listening recommendations, Playing Changes takes the measure of this exhilarating momentand the shimmering possibilities to come.