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! ; )

[CLR9]

Baker Bridge. Want jazz that's where it's at. Cool pome

[Relic]

Lately I've been listening to a band called the shotgun jazz band from new orleans on youtube. Good poem. :)

[barleygirl]

This describes so much of my favorite music! Good job using many strong sensory & musical word choices! Thanks for the friend request & I'm glad to see you back. I hope you'll be able to stay awhile! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[James]

I really don't write much anymore, but I still want too. I wrote this little poem sitting in a hotel lobby in Chattanooga, and it got published in a Jazz magazine in New Jersey. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[James]

My pleasure...thanks for reading. Glad you enjoyed it

[James]

Sorry, wrong comment

[barleygirl]

This website has been unwieldy lately!

[Great Aunt Astri]

As your poem suggests, I think we like to hear different music depending on where we are. That river front in your poem sounds a nice place to be! I like the melody of your poem.

[James]

It was a fun trip. I wrote this in a hotel lobby in Chattanooga, TN earlier this year. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Improvisation, syncopation, and a regular or forceful rhythm - what more could you poetically ask for! :-)

[Sami Khalil]

All are wonderful genres in a gorgeous city and state. This was a perfect take on this with mood enhancers...:).................

[Pete]

a jazzy feel to your words. this made me smile. punchy ending. listening to some jazz now as i read.

[James]

Sweet, glad you enjoyed this...and enjoy the music

[Lorry]

Man, you sure got your groove on there, Daddy-0 :)

[James]

haha, Thanks, I guess I was just in the mood. Glad you enjoyed this.

[Weeping willow]

Love this one,cause jazz is the best music,full of life and toe tapping;-]