But Beautiful

Aivee Hsu’s But Beautiful is a tender yet sophisticated journey through the timeless language of jazz. With an elegant voice shaped by years of global experience, this debut jazz album presents a masterfully curated selection of classic ballads, bossa nova gems, and original works—breathing fresh life into the Great American Songbook while offering a deeply personal interpretation of love, longing, and beauty.

Produced by renowned jazz educator and pianist Andy Jaffe, But Beautiful reflects Aivee’s transcontinental sensibility—merging her Taiwanese roots with American jazz traditions. The album features an international lineup of seasoned musicians, recorded live in the studio with minimal overdubs, capturing the intimate spontaneity of a real performance.

Aivee’s vocal phrasing is fluid and emotionally rich, effortlessly navigating the subtle textures of songs like “Stardust,” “But Beautiful,” and “’Tis Autumn.” With each phrase, she invites listeners into her inner world—at once wistful and hopeful, delicate and grounded. Her delivery reveals an artist who listens as much as she sings, shaping melodies with the sensitivity of a jazz instrumentalist.

Brazilian influences infuse the album with breezy warmth, particularly in her tender renditions of “Garota de Ipanema” and the playful “O Pato.” Aivee’s natural feel for Portuguese and rhythmic nuance adds authenticity without sacrificing her own stylistic voice.

The album also showcases Aivee’s artistry as a composer. Her original songs “Dream of You” and “Bellflower” blend seamlessly with the standards, revealing lyrical elegance and melodic depth. These tracks offer a window into her emotional landscape, hinting at a storyteller with both grace and imagination.

While the repertoire draws from beloved jazz and bossa classics, Aivee’s interpretations are never derivative. She reimagines each song with graceful restraint, allowing space for nuance and silence. The arrangements are minimalistic yet lush, allowing her voice and the instruments to breathe in harmony.

In an era of fast consumption and digital overload, But Beautiful offers a timeless counterpoint—an album that honors jazz’s legacy while gently carving a space for a new, heartfelt voice in today’s global jazz scene.