The Imperfect Art : Reflections on Jazz and Modern Culture - Ted Gioia

The Imperfect Art

Reflections on Jazz and Modern Culture

By: Ted Gioia

Paperback | 1 January 1996

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Taking a wide-ranging approach rare in jazz criticism, Ted Gioia's brilliant volume draws upon fields as disparate as literary criticism, art history, sociology, and aesthetic philosophy in order to place jazz within the turbulent cultural environment of the twentieth century. He argues that because improvisation--the essence of jazz--must often fail under the pressure of on-the-spot creativity, we should view jazz as an "imperfect art" and base our judgments of it on an "aesthetics of imperfection."

Incorporating the thought of such seminal thinkers as Walter Benjamin, Jose Ortega y Gasset, and Roland Barthes, The Imperfect Art offers vivid portraits of the giants of jazz and startling insights into this vital musical form and the interaction of society and art.
Industry Reviews
'In seven intelligent, uncranky, well-written chapters, scholar and pianist Gioia provides a compelling primer on jazz aesthetics.' Booklist 'In a series of short, pithy articles Gioia (pronounced 'Joya') tackles questions that most of us involved in jazz never stop to ask ourselves, maybe because they would make us uncomfortable. This is provocatively readable and, while not your average jazz book, it should make those who listen to and/or observe this music think about what it is they're doing.' Brian Priestley, Jazz Express 'This excellent book attempts to fit jazz into its proper cultural context and by implication correct many prejudices, illusions and errors of judgement. Clarity of writing and viewpoint makes for a stimulating read.' Declan O'Driscoll, In Dublin

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