Mikkel McAvano, a reporter, dives into the fascinating underground origins of the Real Book, a vital jazz resource since the 1970s. Steve Swallow, a renowned jazz musician and educator, shares insights on its creation by Berklee students as an essential tool despite its illegal status. They discuss the delicate balance between creativity and copyright in jazz, the improvisational spirit of the genre, and the challenges in uncovering the identities of its original authors. The journey of the Real Book reveals its significant cultural impact on jazz education and performance.
