by Mike Errico | Jan 23, 2012 | So Good
Chapter three of “But Beautiful,” by Geoff Dyer is one of those reads where the subway is sitting at the Coney Island station, empty, by the time you look up. I don’t know if I can recommend it highly enough to fans of writing or fans of jazz. Dyer’s breathless descriptions capture the moments when Powell’s schizophrenia seeps in; when his genius is in full display; and when the best he can do is hold on tight while being hurdled from one extreme to the other. Wow. Just wow. (I picked this clip for the close-ups of his hands and face.) More video accompaniment to the jazz artists in Geoff Dyer’s “But Beautiful”: http://www.errico.com/tag/but-beautiful/ More So Good:...
by Mike Errico | Jan 19, 2012 | So Good
I’m now on chapter two of “But Beautiful,” by Geoff Dyer, and checking out Monk from a fresh angle. Those almost drunken clusters he plays kind of remind me of Tom Waits’ playing, though Tom does it for comedic, or at least theatrical, effect. This guy…I think it’s a lot more complicated than that. Watch the reactions of his band members, who are laying out. This kind of listening was a daily occurrence for them, and they’re still feeling the edge Monk rides. More video accompaniment to the jazz artists in Geoff Dyer’s “But Beautiful”: http://www.errico.com/tag/but-beautiful/ More So Good:...
by Mike Errico | Jan 19, 2012 | So Good
I’ve been reading “But Beautiful” by Geoff Dyer, an amazing book about jazz lives. I’m listening along to the chapters, using Spotify and YouTube. Hearing all kinds of amazing musicianship. Chapter One: I’ve fallen deep into Lester Young. But check out the expression in Billie’s face. Treat yourself to this. “Fine and Mellow” More video accompaniment to the jazz artists in Geoff Dyer’s “But Beautiful”: http://www.errico.com/tag/but-beautiful/ More So Good:...
