Play It

rock'n the blues

Never a need to check the sound.
This spot, acoustical bliss.

A 'Muddy Waters' stage where,
red hot lights glow.

As rows of smoke mingle low.

Bourbon and beer line the joint.

Stale smells and kick'n sounds,
slowly spill across the crowd.

J.L. Hooker records play,
“Boom Boom”
rustic and loud.

As a new breed get ready to set the stage.

The scratchy record moans the blues.

“I’m In The Mood” sings so low.

The new crew is in the know.

While patrons order one more round.

The band decide against a hipster beat.

Shaking out “Hard Times”.

Cause some can still remember the day - his hands let the rift play.

Technicolor fades to a haze.

The second set burns like a fiery blaze.

A Morrison and Hooker, style of "Rock with Me" croons.

As dancers sway, singing "baby please don't go,"
and the smallest of harmonicas steal the show.

The new kids have taken hold.

Author's Note

i think i'm done

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

so nice to read a tribute to the blues ... seems i have read so few of them here at the Cafe' ..you've mentioned some of the giants and their music .. going to have to put on the vinyl today .. and have a blues Valentine Day ;)
E.
ps. especially heard the call of "bourbon and beer ....." nothing like a boiler maker to get the juices flowing ;))))

[Cherrie]

a few of those will help ya sing the blues

[Einstein Noodle]

ahahahah yes they will ... i haven't had whiskey in the house for a while ... i think i'll treat me self to some of my favorite Jameson :)

[Cherrie]

A little snort from time to time is good for complexion .

[Einstein Noodle]

pretty sure your right about that Cherrie :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

When I worked at a record store back in the eighties, it gave me such an appreciation for all music. I really love how you articulated the atmospheric sights and sounds of a jazz concert...it simply leaps off the page. Very well done and much enjoyed, Cherrie!

[Cherrie]

I am so glad. Sometimes when we write something we want it to spill off the page and fill our senses. I so glad it did.

[JE Falcon]

This was great! Being a Blues and Rhythm and Blues Lover, it was nice to read a tribute was well stated. Thanks.

[Cherrie]

Yes and thank you . I agree old school R&B feed the soul.

[Richard🖌]

Hah!
Cherrie, you're never done, and never will be, 'til your final breath -- and, I'm sure your last words will be in the form of a poem … LOL!
First-off, your picture choice "Sends Me". Then, your imagery and song choices drift me sooo delightfully back, back, back into sweet moments I've cherished the memories of sooo many times. 🎶
Beautifully rendered, Dear Poetess, in the style only You know how to make come alive.
Teacher's hint: consider breaking into verses to avoid the rushed, congested feel … like LA traffic. : )

Love it, Lady-Poet, as I do all your versings … hugs! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Cherrie]

Ya know sometimes when I paste and copy it dosen't hold the layout I used and I'm never sure why?

[Richard🖌]

Cherrie,
You mean that's all I get for this masterfully brilliant review? 🤪

[Richard🖌]

Concerning your copy/paste issues … in all probability, it's because you type on your word-processing application format, and it doesn't always jive with the Café format.
My solution is to write on here in the unpublished area, and copy/paste to my word-processing application to save it BEFORE posting, just in case something goes wrong.

Maybe, that will work for you, if you haven't already tried it. 😃

[Cherrie]

No that's not all you get for your heartfelt review:)
Your reviews always encourage me, instruct me and motivate.
But I did want to ask about the formatting issues. There's always time for the volley of words that follows :)

[Cherrie]

I'm not much on the bar scene. However I have enjoyed some great music in such places. That I think is lost in this day and age.

[Cherrie]

Plus when I respond from work. You end up with a cluster of one line responses :)

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Dearest, for making my review feel worthy.
When I was a bar-hopper, without the current music, the scene was dullsville. I will agree with you on today's loss of happy-go-lucky, bright life, toe-tappin', drinkin' 'n dancin' music … yayhoo!
If one uses their cellphone on the Café, we know how limited, even dysfunctional, that can be at times, eh?
Still, you 'n I seem to have communicated quite well over the years. : )

[Lisasview]

Not quite sure what you mean "I think I'm done" Does this by chance mean that you felt there was more in you to write? or??
Anyway, this poem is so relatable..The old with the new..so cleverly stated Cherrie..The smallest harmonicas steal the show..
They always do.
Brought back so many memories..Going to live concerts at the Hollywood Bowl or the Greek Theatre.. or even the dark small nightclub..the Hot Potato..or.. yes the Troubadour...Those were the days.. but as we all know "The Times they are a Changing" Can not remember who sang that... ah well..
Lovely write..
Lisa

[Cherrie]

Like a women's hair. Sometimes I snip at words and fuss over the sound of a piece. :) till I like the ring of it.
Thank you Lisa
Yes, times are changing. It's getting hard to keep up.

[Cherrie]

Reader's are reluctant to give reviews to writers they don't know. I try to not look at the lack of reviews (I'm not exactly a mainstream writer) and just enjoy the feedback I receive.
I write what I like and hope others will also.
But I must say I am thrilled when I get a review, especially one like yours.
I don't like sites that force you to review to post. However with that said. I think we do need to spend alittle more time giving others a review.
Thank you so kindly. 💓

[Lisasview]

I always give reviews but i do notice that only a few review back..At a certain point I will stop reading any works of those Non reviewers..There are plenty of fish in the sea..

[Richard🖌]

Kibitzer alert!
Robert Zimmerman (Bob Dylan) wrote, sang, and recorded, "The Times, They Are A-Changin'."

[Cherrie]

Lol that's right! I was still knocking that around in my mind trying to remember.

[Lisasview]

Good for you Richard.. now we can stop thinking about it..

[Richard🖌]

It's always a pleasure to lend the ladies a hand. ; )

[Miss Sharon]

I must add a P.S. to my comment. This beautiful write has had 854 Views but only 19 Reviews. That is an atrocity! People are so lazy. ~Sharon

[Miss Sharon]

Nice write! I could almost hear the music playing and feel the sway of the beat. As a retired music teacher, the posts about anything to do with music always perk my interest. Please continue! ~Sharon

[Cherrie]

Music 🎶 really is an important part of life. It helps us deal with emotions and soothes the soul. I'm so pleased you of all people enjoyed this one.

[William Michael Reeves]

Done with what? Did you just add to this? And did you pay royalties to the artists you mention. I should probably be paying royalties to all the poets I rewrite. You'd get a healthy check. Good luck cashing it. I like the way the smallest harmonica plays how big the music of the past is. I used to think new music sucks but I hear so much amazing music coming out today of all styles. There's hope for the notes in our ears!

[Cherrie]

No I didn't add to it. I may edit a word or two.
:)I believe the standard rule is you may mention a name of a band or song 🎵 as long as you do not make disparaging remarks.

[M. J. Smith]

The changing of the guard... Was the torch passed or siezed by force? Who can say? Excellent as always, Cherrie.

[Cherrie]

Yes the passing of the guard. Always on the move.

[Stella Armour]

Wow, that evoked some good memories, i can remember playing Muddy Water's music all the time when i was younger and impressionable. Blues music was wonderful .... and i am English lol.

[Cherrie]

The Blues has some magical properties that pull the audience in.
I'm happy to provide the flash back

[Stella Armour]

Yes, Ray Charles was my very favourite ... i saw him her in UK live and his band was just something else ... wonderful.

[Cherrie]

I love Ray he is my all time favorite. I had him on 8track. (I won't take time to explain that to the children) :)

From R &B to Country the man could sing.
I would have loved to see him in concert. You are a lucky girl.

[Stella Armour]

favourite track "Stella By Starlight" of course lol

[Cherrie]

Oh yeah now I'll have to play that.

[Stella Armour]

it was a long time ago he was in concert here , i will never forget that evening :)

[Cherrie]

Oh yeah, as a kid my favorite was Hit The Road Jack

[Stella Armour]

yes... and "What'd I Say?" ....
now you got me going i will have to play his cd lol

[Cherrie]

Yes I got myself going too. I just had a musical romp with the girls. Went from PROUD MARY(the 1973 version), to I'D RATHER BE BLIND, I PUT A SPELL ON YOU and I finished it off with YOU MAKE ME FEEL.

[Stella Armour]

Haha... i was on youtube , it's taken me to Leonard Cohen on my favourites now ... see what your poem has started :)

[Cherrie]

Lol i know

[Neville]

How cool are you my friend .. the music scene is constantly evolving but you aint gonna top the blues regardless of the size of ya mouth organ.... got me foot tapping, now am gonna listen to some Clapton....