While earlier editions of jazz poetry collections have included many voices previously unknown to readers of these anthologies, what is striking about the Winter, 2024 collection is that over one-third of the poets within it have only come to my attention since the publication of the Summer, 2023 collection. What this says about jazz music and jazz poetry – and this community – is that the connection between the two art forms is inspirational and enduring, and that poets seem to have found a place for their voice within the pages of this website..

This artistically-gifted community is growing quickly and organically – as if each published poem generates enthusiasm for another. I am so very proud to witness its growth, and humbled and honored to be an influence on a contributing poet’s creative process.

     So, pull a chair up to the fire and take time with the collection. I have no doubt you’ll find enormous gifts within it.

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

Joe

(featuring the art of Marsha Hammel)

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An appeal…

Dear Reader:

For over 20 years, Jerry Jazz Musician has been a non-commercial website whose mission is to explore American culture with jazz music as the centerpiece. The result is an online literary magazine contributed to by a community made up of hundreds of authors, poets and artists. Their work can be seen throughout the site – in major poetry collections, short stories, book reviews, essays, and art.

With that in mind, if Jerry Jazz Musician has had a positive impact on your life, if you enjoy it and learn from it, and if you share my desire to see it expand into an even more rewarding experience, and to keep it ad-free, I respectfully request that you please consider making a one-time or ongoing donation. Your support can make a significant difference.

Please click here if you would like to make a contribution.

With appreciation,

Joe Maita
Editor/Publisher

(The illustration is the original Jerry Jazz Musician logo, created in 1997)
 

Interview with Judith Tick, author of Becoming Ella Fitzgerald: The Jazz Singer Who Transformed American Song

The Sunday Poem

Published every Sunday, one poem is chosen for publication, which the poet also reads.  A wide array of topics, creative artists, and poetic styles are showcased…

(illustration by Russell duPont)

Interview with Gary Carner, author of Pepper Adams: Saxophone Trailblazer

The author speaks with contributing writer Bob Hecht about his book and his decades-long dedication to the genius of Pepper Adams, the stellar baritone saxophonist whose hard-swinging bebop style inspired many of the top-tier modern baritone players.

(Photo of Pepper Adams courtesy of author, and of the Pepper Adams estate)

In a Place of Dreams: Connie Johnson’s album of jazz poetry, music, and life stories

A collection of the remarkable poet’s work is woven among her audio readings, a personal narrative of her journey and music she considers significant to it, providing readers the chance to experience the full value of her gifts.

Short Fiction Contest-winning story #64 — “The Old Casino” by J.B. Marlow

The author’s award-winning story takes place over the course of a young man’s life, looking at all the women he’s loved and how the presence of a derelict building informs those relationships.

(photo Christerajet, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

On the Turntable — The “Best Of the ‘Best Of’” in 2023 jazz recordings

A year-end compilation of jazz albums oft-mentioned by a wide range of critics as being the best of 2023 – including the late trumpeter Jamie Branch’s Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((world war)).

Trading Fours, with Douglas Cole, No. 18: “The Sermon”

Trading Fours with Douglas Cole is an occasional series of the writer’s poetic interpretations of jazz recordings and film.  In this edition he writes about his experience with Jimmy Smith’s 1959 album The Sermon.
 

Jazz History Quiz #169

This trumpeter was in the 1932 car accident that took the life of famed clarinetist/saxophonist Frankie Techemacher (pictured), and is best remembered for his work with Eddie Condon’s bands. Who was he?

Jimmmy McPartland ?

Wingy Manone ?

“Wild Bill” Davison ?

Sharkey Bonano ?

Al Hirt ?

Ruby Braff ?

Muggsy Spanier ?

Also in this issue…

In the ongoing series The Photographs of Giovanni Piesco, the Amsterdam based photographer shares shots of Anthony Braxton (pictured), Arthur Blythe and Tristan Honsinger; The six writers nominated for the Pushcart Prize are announced; the inaugural edition of Community Bookshelf; new editions of True Jazz Stories; and new book excerpts, poetry, short fiction and playlists

Click here for the previous issue of Jerry Jazz Musician

Coming Soon to Jerry Jazz Musician