Jazz criticism first emerged in the 1930s, accompanied by the rise of "hot clubs" and collector groups, often consisting of young white men who gathered to listen to recordings, argued feverishly over the merits of their favorite players, and pursued an obsessive interest in what came to be known as the science of discography.

Although jazz critics have done much to advance the music throughout its history, they have also often been sources of controversy, particularly in their relationship with musicians and their responses to certain aesthetic directions such as bebop and free jazz. On this edition of Night Lights we'll hear some of the music that has provoked debate and discussion among critics, ranging from Duke Ellington's "Reminiscin' in Tempo" to John Coltrane's "Chasin' the Trane" and Wynton Marsalis' "The Sermon." We'll also talk extensively with John Gennari, author of Blowin' Hot and Cool, a new history of jazz criticism.

Jazz criticism first emerged in the 1930s, accompanied by the rise of "hot clubs" and collector groups, often consisting of young white men who gathered to listen to recordings, argued feverishly over the merits of their favorite players, and pursued an obsessive interest in what came to be known as the science of discography.

Although jazz critics have done much to advance the music throughout its history, they have also often been sources of controversy, particularly in their relationship with musicians and their responses to certain aesthetic directions such as bebop and free jazz. On this edition of Night Lights we'll hear some of the music that has provoked debate and discussion among critics, ranging from Duke Ellington's "Reminiscin' in Tempo" to John Coltrane's "Chasin' the Trane" and Wynton Marsalis' "The Sermon." We'll also talk extensively with John Gennari, author of Blowin' Hot and Cool, a new history of jazz criticism.