Jazz Is Where It's At

A trip through any southern city will give you a taste of several musical genres, everything from gospel, folk, country, bluegrass, and jazz. Many times they blend together into something special.

I was born in the Bluegrass state

and I love to hear the fiddle strings hum.

Banjo pickers get all the fame

and you can hear the clogger's heels

tapping through the holler

But when I'm down on the river front

and in the mood to play

I crave the pull of the slide trombone,

and the sad moan of a saxophone

gets me in the mood.

So quit sending me all these bluegrass tunes

Scruggs and Flatt, and all that;

cuz baby, Jazz is where it's at.

Author's Note

This poem will be featured in the July/August issue of Jersey Jazz, the monthly journal of the New Jersey Jazz Society

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

I'm here to tell ya, ain't nuttin' better than the sad moan of a saxophone! Whoa, baby! I learned a lot about musical genres when I worked at a record store back in the eighties, which is why on occasion, I like to implement it into my poetry from time to time. It just brings it all back for me, you know, just like comfort food.

Such a wonderful piece, James...thanks for getting me in the mood! ; )

[emmajoy]

Musical words from a happy foot.tapping, best music type man. Could hear the change of mood and music mid to ending. Let's be honest though, or let me.. all music makes for happiness if you choose right!

Still like the music running through your words.. reads like lyrics.. but then, you already know that.

[Island Hippy]

Aloha James, there's nothing like Davis or Coltrane spilling into a room a bit of Simone and Fitzgerald too. I have a taste for that era of jazz. A great poem. Izzy

[James]

I've kind of been into it lately. Thanks.

[Island Hippy]

You're welcome

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i am not a jazz fan at all...but you almost change my mind with how good this poem is...love Scruggs and Flatt's theme to Bonnie and Clyde..."foggy mountain breakdown"--

I have spent much time in Kentucky...love that state.

[James]

Thanks, Jacob. I've kind of gotten into it lately. Thanks for reading this.

[Ana Papaya]

I like bluegrass. :)
I like jazz too though.
I like your poem too, fun to imagine what that river front looks like.

[James]

Thanks, I like them both,too but lately I've really been into jazz. Glad you like it, thanks.