But Beautiful: A Book About Jazz
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But Beautiful is a book about jazz and jazz musicians by Geoff Dyer. First published in 1991, it is the first of Dyer's so-called "genre-defying" works.
Like Michael Ondaatje's Coming Through Slaughter, But Beautiful takes a fictionalised look at jazz. Divided into seven sections each covering a different legendary jazz figure, it uses historical details, photographs and music to paint the self-destruction and inspiration behind genius. Short vignettes of Duke Ellington and Harry Carney's famous between-gig road trips are interspersed throughout. It concludes with a seven-part analysis of jazz styles and influences that reads more like conventional music criticism.
The book was widely praised upon its release and continues to be one of Dyer's most acclaimed works. Pianist Keith Jarrett is probably its most famous fan, proclaiming it to be:
- "The only book about jazz that I have recommended to my friends. It is a little gem with the distinction of being 'about' jazz rather than 'on' jazz. If closeness to the material determines a great solo, Mr. Dyer's book is one."
It was one of the winners of the 1992 Somerset Maugham Award.
"But Beautiful" is also the name of a jazz composition by Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen and was recorded by two of the book's subjects (Ben Webster and Art Pepper) as well as such notables as Bill Evans, Frank Sinatra and Freddie Hubbard.
[edit] Jazz musicians covered
- Duke Ellington and Harry Carney
- Lester Young
- Thelonious Monk
- Bud Powell
- Ben Webster
- Chet Baker
- Art Pepper
- Charles Mingus
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