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I have endured the ceasless, phosphorous moon
and on my lips that fused, incessant tune.
The melody of which blows time and rhyme
out from my brain, engraving notes like runes.
A swinging sugar rush no less divine
than a child's first covert taste of wine,
or than a lover's eyes resisting tears.
Syncopated poet of jazz, your rhyme
Reigns; melodic tempests on my ears,
that stop-time solo: music's mutineer.
Blow this tune, vibrate the earth above me
and I shall dance to God's or Satan's jeers. |
Written by KaydieKate (75 comments posted) 24th September 2008 | I liked this poem: I liked the interesting rhyme scheme. Good work, nice images.
! | I am dense . . .
Written by Katanga (1537 comments posted) 25th September 2008 | . . . and stuggling to grasp your overall meaning here, and why 'Potato Head'?
Despite this, I can recognise great use of language and I love the last line!
Cheers!
John | Potato Head?
Written by Brett (1001 comments posted) 25th September 2008 | I don't know, ask Louis Armstrong! Potato Head Blues, recorded by Louis Armstrong's Hot Seven in 1927 was, and I like to think still is, virtuosity at its zenith (not just Armstrong, but the great Johnny Dodds, too) and Armstrong's second solo has proven to be a major influence on musicians in all genre not just jazz.
Just a few thoughts on a piece of music I always return to.
Thanks John, and thank you KaydieKate.
Cheers |
Written by grace (173 comments posted) 25th September 2008 | I'm very interested to hear your explanation for writing this.
For me, another superb write, the last verse of which I believe can have a double meaning:
"Reigns; melodic tempests on my ears,
that stop-time solo: music's mutineer.
Blow this tune, vibrate the earth above me
and I shall dance to God's or Satan's jeers."
I see the first two lines highlighting the 'immortal' music, living on after the demize of the greats. The last two lines have me imagining this music at the MC's funeral and taking him happily through eternity.
A wonderful read Brett,
Pamx
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Written by Bottleblondesurfer (3590 comments posted) 26th September 2008 | They do say the devil has all the best tunes [and I suspect he can lay claim to all the good musicians too!] You seem not to care whether the blues is God's work or the devils,and no more should you. 
It's is always a buzz to see someone in full flow on a subject they are passionate about. I didn't understand all of what you said but your love of the music certainly shone through which is the main thing.
There was a wild unrepentant brio about this which transcended clear understanding and I loved some of the phrases you used.
cheers
jane | grace and BBS
Written by Brett (1001 comments posted) 26th September 2008 | Thank you, Pam - very kind words, and your interpretation of the final stanza is faultless. Much appreciated.
Jane - always appreciate your views, and thank you for your comments. I certainly don't care regarding God or the devil, but love using both as images. The blues? Mankind's alone, born of both oppression and the will to have a good time (though the tune I have written about is not technically a 'blues'). Loved your use of 'wild unrepentant brio' very flattering.
Cheers | No doubt at all ...
Written by patterjack (1435 comments posted) 26th September 2008 | ... that Satchmo had the blow power ! Those HotfFives and Sevens !
Yet I place Beiderbecke slightly higher -- for the two pieces Since My Best Girl Turned Me Down[/I ]for the wind and [I]In a Mist for the keyboard .
I also think though that this is a fitting tribute , well expressed .
patterjack | Bix, Brian!
Written by Brett (1001 comments posted) 26th September 2008 | There is no doubt that 'Since My Best Girl Turned Me Down' is a tour de force of his - in fact your review just made me dig it out and listen to it twice over. I remember one evening intending to work on some restricting form or other, and your 'Listening To Bix' popped up in that lovely blue column on the left of the screen - I read it, remembered how divine he was to listen to, thought I would pop a cd on and listen to 'Jazz Me Blues' or something before getting down to my writing.
Well, 20 or 30 tracks of Bix later (washed down with several 6 gin martinis) I remembered to do my verse. You lead me astray, patterjack!
'In A Mist', quite rightly we should not forget he was a hell of a pianist aswell.
Didn't Satchmo say 'He was the only white man I ever wanted to sound like' ? Praise doesn't come higher than that.
Cheers |
Written by Phil (6997 comments posted) 27th September 2008 | Mostly already said - so I'll just add my admiration and second Jane.
I wonder, besides the music itself, what makes Armstrong so powerful for you. Bix Beiderbecke is a favourite of mine - but as much for its associations as its quality. Sadly, the only recordings I have are on vinyl and I no longer have a record player. I do like Armstrong and have a couple of CDs tucked away somewhere - but he doesn't have that personal connection of Beiderbecke. Sorry to waffle - just me rambling on. Should probably mind my own business.
Phil | Phil, thanks.
Written by Brett (1001 comments posted) 27th September 2008 | As much as I enjoy Beiderbecke (and let us not forget KIng Oliver, and the great Jelly Roll Morton who surrounded himself with musicians of the highest standard) those Hot Fives and Sevens recordings have a raw quality to them, they don't sound as polished as Beiderbecke's.
Great cd box sets are available on the JSP label - terriffic value, and expertly remastered, also the Proper label.
Thinking on it, I mentioned this same piece of music in my very first posting on GW (not all that long ago, but I seemed so young and happy).
Never mind your own business, Phil, not on this site. Always grateful for your sticking your nose in!
Cheers | Music's Mutineer!
Written by Veronica_Milvus (768 comments posted) 28th September 2008 | A great phrase.
No longer young or happy, Brett boyo? Sad to hear it.
Lovely poem.
V | The poetry forum, V
Written by Brett (1001 comments posted) 1st October 2008 | It's made a happy man very old. Not to mention the childish attitude elsewhere at present!
Cheers |
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