Border Crossings is a survey of modern jazz in Germany, Italy, Austria and Switzerland between the years 1953 and 1983. Its aim is to highlight the work of modern jazz pioneers in the four countries and in a lengthy A-Z close to 100 musicians and bands are discussed. There’s also a section on Various Artists compilations as well as a snapshot of the music’s development during the timeframe. Border Crossings is written in an accessible style with little in the way of complex terminology and is aimed at experienced modern jazz fans as well as younger readers wishing to get a handle on the music. It concludes with a list of 35 essential albums.