Book excerpt: Jam Bands is the first comprehensive guide to the emerging wave of improvisational music now thriving in North America. The book spans the continent, identifying more than 175 of the most noteworthy jam bands. Each entry includes photos, biographies, discographies, personal insights from band members, web site listings, and descriptions and analyses of each group's distinctive musical styles and talents. Additionally, since all the profiled bands encourage live taping, Jam Bands offers a section devoted to the art of recording concerts and building a live-music library. Written by noted live-music fanatic and taper Dean Budnick, author of THE PHISHING MANUAL, Jam Bands is sure to please both long-time devotees of the jam band scene and new initiates as well. From Aquarium Rescue Unit to Zero, with stops along the way for moe., Medeski, Martin & Wood, Rusted Root, Strangefolk, and String Cheese Incident, Jam Bands will reacquaint readers with cherished groups and introduce new favourites, while unlocking the mysteries of taping.