A Collection of Jazz Poetry — Fall/Winter, 2021-22 Edition

“Night and Day” is a painting by Molly Larson Cook, whose abstract-expressionist paintings accompany the work of the 50 poets contributing to the Fall/Winter 2021/22 collection of jazz poetry. Her art has much in common with the poetry and music found within it; all three art forms can be described as “landscapes of the imagination,” created by artists from all over the world who are inspired in a meaningful way by jazz music, and whose work can be uniquely interpreted and appreciated (or not!) by those who consume it.

As always, thanks to the poets and readers, and I hope you enjoy…

Joe

Interview with Kitt Shapiro, author of Eartha & Kitt: A Daughter’s Love Story in Black & White
 

Short Fiction Contest-winning story #58 — “Mouth Organ” by Emily Jon Tobias

In Ms. Tobias’ story, Monk is a young musician who comes of age within his family domain, first by falling in love with girlfriend Gloria, and then having to face an unreconciled past with his mother, Bunny.

(photo via Pexels/Tatiana Syrvacheva Photography)

Interview with Wayne Enstice, co-author of The Lady Swings: Memoirs of a Jazz Drummer

Wayne Enstice, co-author of The Lady Swings: Memoirs of a Jazz Drummer, is interviewed about the little-known life story of the pioneering musician Dottie Dodgion, who defied the odds to become a world-class jazz drummer in a world – and on an instrument – dominated by men.

(photo courtesy Dottie Dodgion)
 

Veryl Oakland’s “Jazz in Available Light” — photos (and stories) of Sarah Vaughan and Betty Carter

Sarah Vaughan and Betty Carter are featured in this edition of photographs and stories from Veryl Oakland’s book, Jazz in Available Light

(photo of Sarah Vaughan by Veryl Oakland)
 

True Jazz Stories: A remembrance of jazz aficionado Al Summ

Friends remember Al Summ, whose love and appreciation of jazz showed up in a variety of ways. His artwork was found (and rescued) by devoted friends who remind readers how jazz and its culture can touch the soul of an enthusiast, and impact relationships for a lifetime.

(Al Summ…a self-portrait)

Playlist: “Miles Plays Wayne”

Bob Hecht, a frequent contributor to Jerry Jazz Musician, writes about a current fascination – the compositions of Wayne Shorter, and his contributions to the Miles Davis groups he played in during his time with the trumpeter, 1964 – 1970.  A 20 song Spotify playlist Bob assembled follows.

(photo of Wayne Shorter by Brian McMillen)

Jazz History Quiz #149

This lifelong friend of Duke Ellington co-wrote “Sophisticated Lady,” played clarinet, violin, baritone and alto saxophone during his first stint in Ellington’s band (prior to leaving in 1928), and, following time in a band that also included Fats Waller and Chu Berry, returned to Duke’s orchestra, where he would play until 1946. Who was he?
 
 
(Photo of Duke Ellington by William Gottlieb/Library of Congress)

Also in this issue…

In the new edition of “Pressed For All Time,” producer Jean-Phillippe Allard talks with Michael Jarrett about working with the singer Abbey Lincoln on her 1990 Verve album The World is Falling Down; the 2022 Jerry Jazz Musician Pushcart nominees are announced; “Trading Fours,” with Douglas Cole, a new series of the award-winning writer’s interpretations of jazz recordings and film; a wealth of Spotify playlists; a new edition of “Sittin’ In:  Jazz Clubs of the 1940s and 1950s” focuses on four Harlem night spots; updates about writers who contribute their work to Jerry Jazz Musician; In Memoriam remembers Al Martino; and new book excerpts, poetry and short fiction

In the Previous Issue

54 poets contribute their work to the summer collection of poetry; An interview with Travis Atria, author of Better Days Will Come Again: The Life of Arthur Briggs, Jazz Genius of Harlem, Paris, and a Nazi Prison Camp; “Under Quarantine” – COVID era poetry of Erren Kelly; and more…

(painting by Darryl Daniels)

Coming Soon to Jerry Jazz Musician

 Interviews, book excerpts, playlists, poetry, short fiction, art and photography, true jazz stories and lots more in the works….
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Jerry Jazz Musician is a non-commercial website whose mission is to explore the culture of America with jazz music as the centerpiece…For news about how you can submit your work, click here. 

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