Jerrice J. Baptiste’s 2025 Jazz Poetry Calendar

December 31st, 2024

 

.

.

Readers can click to the next month at the conclusion of each poem.  You can also go to each month by clicking on the link to the months here:

Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr/May/Jun/Jul/Aug/Sep/Oct/Nov/Dec/Intro

.

.

 

January, 2025

“Hey Julie”

.

.

___

 

.

.

 

.

.

Hey Julie

Hey Julie
It’s January
June red rose in your hair
not minding branches bare.

Hey Julie
It’s January
leaning on the yellow windowsill
hearing robin’s song reverberating still.

Hey Julie
It’s January
falling in love with blooms that glimmer
holding him in arms that caress like a river.

Hey Julie
It’s January
kissing by the fire when full moon swoons
strolling in green fields that will come soon.

.

Listen to Jerrice J. Baptiste read her poem

.

.

___

.

.

 

.

.

 

Click here to read Jerrice’s poem for February

.

.

 

 

Share this:
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, Page 9, Page 10, Page 11, Page 12, Page 13

53 comments on “Jerrice J. Baptiste’s 2025 Jazz Poetry Calendar”

    1. Thank you Joanne for expressing your joy for this Jazz Poetry Calendar! Yes, I agree it’s a great start to the New Year! I do hope you get to explore as many of the poems, songs & photographs as possible!
      Thanks for commenting! Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Just listened to “April in Paris.” Jerrice, you are giving a relevant voice to the voices and artistry of the past. The passion that Sarah Vaughan and the composers could only allude to you have enriched with your poetic interpretation of their feelings. Your respect for their work reveals their excellence in jazz rendition and your sensitivity as a poet .

      Reply

  4. This poem is sensual and captivating it makes me want to listen to this jazz song. thank you for putting it in towards what I feel are strong emotions.

    Reply

    1. Thank you Emmanuel for reading, listening, reflecting, commenting on our Jazz Poetry Calendar!
      An abundance of gratitude for your beautiful words written here!
      Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

  6. A really lovely concept, Joe and Jerrice…I’m looking forward to reading what each month of 2025 inspires!

    Reply

    1. Thank you Connie!
      Joe was amazing is his vision for this poetry calendar project! It’s been a true collaboration!
      I feel blessed! You can read each poem here on this website for each month! Thanks for commenting!
      Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

    2. Définitivement tu me charmes avec tes poèmes.
      ” bonsoir Ms. Gardot ” m’excite à écrire mon propre poème.
      Bravo Jerrice.

      Reply

  7. I love your visual use of color and your cool sensations of wind and rain. Your words show the essence of changes in time. Very befitting of a calendar with the monthly honor of the representatives of jazz. Concrete and real.

    Reply

    1. Thank you Mary!

      This wonderful project has given me the opportunity to capture & express what I feel when I listen to Jazz!

      Thanks for reading & listening!
      Best wishes for the new year!
      Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Thank you Carolyn!
      Jazz is a gift and I feel grateful that my poetry can be a gift through which jazz can be appreciated even more!!
      Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! I appreciate it!
      Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Merci beaucoup Roodly!
      C’est un grand joie d’etre ton inspiration!
      C’est magnifique ton compliment! Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much Catherine! I’m glad you could feel the summer season and its beauty through my poem. Thanks for taking the time to read & enjoy it! Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

  14. Wow. Such a powerful poem, Jerrice. I love the unveiling of details about your and your partner’s emotional states through such beautiful imagery. The way the story unfolded was captivating — it kept me reaching for the next line to figure out what was going on, and to see how it would resolve. I love that the resolution to such scary possibilities was found not just by the doctor saying they didn’t find anything wrong, but also through mindful walks in nature. Such an important lesson that anyone can benefit from learning– how to move through difficult emotions using presence of mind.

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Allison! I’m glad you were so moved by my poem “August Blues” and that you learned so much from it. How nature can be a source of healing for all of us. I’m thrilled the imagery was powerful and suspenseful! Thanks for reading, listening and commenting! Happy New year!
      Jerrice

      Reply

  15. So beautiful! The journey of falling in love: from thawing the jaded ponds of your heart to breaking free from icy borders to let rushing waters of love be free — to finally let the love not only in, but to let all the love within yourself out. I also love the imagery of the heart described as “red chambers”, it evokes such truth in the matters of the heart: the heart is not just a completed puzzle handed to a lover, it is something to explore in the process of loving, if you are granted that entrance to the “red chambers”. Stunning, Jerrice.

    Reply

  16. “November Affair” is so intimate and laced with such visceral details that I can really picture and feel this moment in time. What a lovely depiction of a slow, lovely evening.

    Reply

    1. Thank you Allison for reading my poem “November Affair.” I appreciate your presence of mind to grasp the details of language, and imagery. It is a complex poem, I’m grateful it touched you so much!
      Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

  17. Jerrice, in addition to your January poem (“Hey Julie”), I’m loving “August Blues” and October’s “Sweet Lilac Wine.”

    Again, the concept of a Jazz Poetry calendar? Perfect 👌 💞

    Reply

    1. Hi Connie,

      It’s so wonderful that you returned to read more of my poems in the Jazz poetry calendar!! Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m glad “August Blues” and “Sweet Lilac Wine” are some of your favorites! Me too! Joy & gratitude, Jerrice

      Reply

  18. The idea of writing poems celebrating jazz musicians is very unique and intriguing. I am not familiar with some of the musicians here, but your words paint wonderful pictures of the ones I do know while at the same time combining the imagery of the calendar month. Well done.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Nicole! I appreciate your comment. These poems are a celebration of life and jazz! So glad you’re enjoying all the jazz artists here! Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much Bichini for returning to read more of my poems! I’m glad you love the poems especially the one about Ms. Gardot! C’est magnifique! Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

  20. Jerrice, this calendar project was just perfect for you. You are an extraordinary poet and the blending of your poems with these incredible artists just makes your words even sweeter. April in Paris was exquisite. Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Sandi! Glad you enjoyed April in Paris! Thanks for your thoughtful comment! I loved selecting the songs and writing the poems to complement the songs. It was a fun project! Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

  21. Love the humor and fun:
    !A poem about a dream of ladybirds
    Who crashed through to real life and ate up the dreamer’s real life
    Strawberries!

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Priscilla! I’m thrilled you love June Bugs & Berries! This imaginative poem was a blast to write! Lots & lots of fun! Thanks for your joyful comment! Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

  22. What a wonderful concept! I just love this jazz + poetry calendar to bring in the New Year 2025 – such a rich and brilliant pairing of images, poetry and jazz. Jerrice’s lyrical poems so wonderfully capture the essence of the music and musician , and the senses and spirit of each seasons too. W such a great collaborative creative project! Will be a treat to visit through the months. Thank you!

    Reply

    1. WOW! Thanks so much Bonnie! It’s so fabulous that you will be revisiting the poems of the calendar throughout the months! Glad you admire the creativity
      and love of this project for this year! Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much Carolyn for returning to read more of my poems! I’m thrilled you love my February poem, Bonsoir Ms. Gardot! C’est magnifique! I appreciate your love for the images & repetition. Thanks again! Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

  24. Juliie,
    le titre du poeme de Janvier.
    Ce poeme est tres interessant .
    Je l’aime beaucoup Jerrice.
    Bon travail.

    Reply

    1. Merci beaucoup Mirlande! Je te remercie pour tes compliments!
      C’est un grand plaisir pour moi que tu aimes “Hey Julie.” Je l’adore aussi! Jerrice

      Reply

  25. Sweet lilac wine
    Définitivement Jerrice c’est confirmé que tu es une poète talentueuse.
    Excelsior ma nièce.

    Reply

    1. Merci beaucoup ma tante Mirlande! Je suis heureuse que tu aimes Sweet Lilac Wine! J’apprecie ton compliment! Avec joie, Jerrice

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much Anya! I’m happy you love the poem! Yes, looking forward to your next comment for next month’s poem! Best wishes! Jerrice

      Reply

  27. I love Sarah Vaughan and the song is beautiful. This whole idea of your poems Jerrice, coupled with the music it’s just extraordinary! You are so talented and wish all the best. Eyes Up! 💙

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Valerie! I’m glad you love Sarah Vaughan singing April in Paris and my poem! Thanks for your encouraging comment too! Best wishes, Jerrice

      Reply

Comment on this article:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your Support is Appreciated

Jerry Jazz Musician has been commercial-free since its inception in 1999. Your generous donation helps it remain that way. Thanks very much for your kind consideration.

Site Archive

In This Issue

Announcing the book publication of Kinds of Cool: An Interactive Collection of Jazz Poetry...The first Jerry Jazz Musician poetry anthology published in book form includes 90 poems by 47 poets from all over the world, and features the brilliant artwork of Marsha Hammel and a foreword by Jack Kerouac’s musical collaborator David Amram. The collection is “interactive” (and quite unique) because it invites readers – through the use of QR codes printed on many of the book’s pages – to link to selected readings by the poets themselves, as well as to historic audio and video recordings (via YouTube) relevant to many of the poems, offering a holistic experience with the culture of jazz.

Feature

“What one song best represents your expectations for 2025?” Readers respond...When asked to name the song that best represents their expectations for 2025, respondents often cited songs of protest and of the civil rights era, but so were songs of optimism and appreciation, including Bob Thiele and George David Weiss’ composition “What a Wonderful World,” made famous by Louis Armstrong, who first performed it live in 1959. The result is a fascinating and extensive outlook on the upcoming year.

The Sunday Poem

art by Allen Mezquida

“Jazz clouds under the undulating sky of Riga while digging the Epistrophy of Thelonious Monk” by Namaya


The Sunday Poem is published weekly, and strives to include the poet reading their work....

Namaya reads his poem at its conclusion


Click here to read previous editions of The Sunday Poem

Feature

photo of Rudy Van Gelder via Blue Note Records
“Rudy Van Gelder: Jazz Music’s Recording Angel” – by Joel Lewis...For over 60 years, the legendary recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder devoted himself to the language of sound. And although he recorded everything from glee clubs to classical music, he was best known for recording jazz – specifically the musicians associated with Blue Note and Prestige records. Joel Lewis writes about his impact on the sound of jazz, and what has become of his Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey studio.

Poetry

photo of Charlie Parker by William Gottlieb/Library of Congress; Design by Rhonda R. Dorsett
Jerrice J. Baptiste’s 2025 Jazz Poetry Calendar...Jerrice J. Baptiste’s 12-month 2025 calendar of jazz poetry winds through the upcoming year with her poetic grace while inviting us to wander through music by the likes of Hoagy Carmichael, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Sarah Vaughan, Melody Gardot and Charlie Parker.

Interview

Interview with Jonathon Grasse: author of Jazz Revolutionary: The Life and Music of Eric Dolphy....The multi-instrumentalist Eric Dolphy was a pioneer of avant-garde technique. His life cut short in 1964 at the age of 36, his brilliant career touched fellow musical artists, critics, and fans through his innovative work as a composer, sideman and bandleader. Jonathon Grasse’s Jazz Revolutionary is a significant exploration of Dolphy’s historic recorded works, and reminds readers of the complexity of his biography along the way. Grasse discusses his book in a December, 2024 interview.

Feature

Excerpts from David Rife’s Jazz Fiction: Take Two – Vol. 9: “Heroic Quests”...A substantial number of novels and stories with jazz music as a component of the story have been published over the years, and the scholar David J. Rife has written short essay/reviews of them. In this ninth edition of excerpts from his book, Rife writes about the “quest” theme in contemporary jazz fiction, where long-lost instruments and rumored recordings take the place of more dramatic artifacts like the Holy Grail.

Feature

On the Turntable — The “Best Of the ‘Best Of’” in 2024 jazz recordings...Our annual year-end compilation of jazz albums oft mentioned by a wide range of critics as being the best of 2024

In Memoriam

photo via Pexels.com
“Departures to the Final Arms Hotel in 2024” – poetic tributes, by Terrance Underwood...2024 produced its share of losses of legendary jazz musicians. Terrance Underwood pays poetic homage to a handful who have touched his life, imagining their admittance to the Final Arms Hotel, a destination he introduces in his prelude.

Short Fiction

Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons/blur effect added
Short Fiction Contest-winning story #67 — “Bluesette,” by Salvatore Difalco...The author’s award-winning story is a semi-satirical mood piece about a heartbroken man in Europe listening to a recording by the harmonica player Toots Thielemans while under the influence of a mind-altering substance.

Interview

Interview with James Kaplan, author of 3 Shades of Blue: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans and the Lost Empire of Cool...The esteemed writer tells a vibrant story about the jazz world before, during, and after the 1959 recording of Kind of Blue, and how the album’s three genius musicians came together, played together, and grew together (and often apart) throughout the experience.

Community

Nominations for the Pushcart Prize XLIX...Announcing the six writers nominated for the Pushcart Prize v. XLIX, whose work was published in Jerry Jazz Musician during 2024.

Publisher’s Notes

photo by Rhonda Dorsett
On turning 70, and contemplating the future of Jerry Jazz Musician...

Feature

“Gone Guy: Jazz’s Unsung Dodo Marmarosa,” by Michael Zimecki...The writer remembers the late jazz musician Michael “Dodo” Marmarosa, awarded Esquire Magazine’s New Star Award in 1947, and who critics predicted would dominate the jazz scene for the next 30 years.

Community

Notes on Bob Hecht’s book, Stolen Moments: A Photographer’s Personal Journey...Some thoughts on a new book of photography by frequent Jerry Jazz Musician contributing writer Bob Hecht

Art

“The Jazz Dive” – the art of Allen Mezquida...The artist's work is inspired by the counterculture music from the 1950s and 60s, resulting in art “that resonates with both eyes and ears.” It is unique and creative and worth a look…

True Jazz Stories

Columbia Records; via Wikimedia Commons
“An Evening with Michael Bloomfield” – a true blues story by David Eugene Everard...The author recounts his experience meeting and interviewing the great blues guitarist Mike Bloomfield in 1974…

Playlist

“Quintets – Gimme Five!” – a playlist by Bob Hecht...The Cannonball Adderley Quintet, on the cover of their 1960 Riverside Records album Live at the Lighthouse. The ensemble – including Cannonball’s brother Nat on cornet, Victor Feldman on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Louis Hayes on drums – is a classic hard bop band, and their performance of “Blue Daniel” is part of the 22-song playlist consisting of memorable quintet performances assembled by jazz scholar Bob Hecht.

Interview

Interview with Larry Tye, author of The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America...The author talks about his book, an intensely researched, spirited, and beautifully told story – and an important reminder that Armstrong, Ellington, and Basie all defied and overcame racial boundaries “by opening America’s eyes and souls to the magnificence of their music.”

Feature

photo of Art Tatum by William Gottlieb/Library of Congress
Trading Fours, with Douglas Cole, No. 22: “Energy Man, or, God is in the House”...In this edition of an occasional series of the writer’s poetic interpretations of jazz recordings and film, Douglas Cole writes about the genius of Art Tatum. His reading is accompanied by the guitarist Chris Broberg.

Short Fiction

photo by Jes Mugley/CC BY-SA 2.0
“The Dancer’s Walk” – a short story by Franklyn Ajaye...The world-renowned saxophonist Deja Blue grew up a sad, melancholy person who could only express his feelings through his music. When he meets a beautiful woman who sweeps him off his feet, will his reluctance to share his feelings and emotion cost him the love of his life?

Feature

photo of Zoot Sims by Brian McMillen
Jazz History Quiz #178...In addition to co-leading a quintet with Zoot Sims (pictured), this tenor saxophonist may be best known as the man who replaced Herbie Steward as one of the “Four Brothers” in Woody Herman’s Second Herd. Who is he?

Art

photo of Johnny Griffin by Giovanni Piesco
The Photographs of Giovanni Piesco: Johnny Griffin and Von Freeman...Beginning in 1990, the noted photographer Giovanni Piesco began taking backstage photographs of many of the great musicians who played in Amsterdam’s Bimhuis, that city’s main jazz venue which is considered one of the finest in the world. Jerry Jazz Musician will occasionally publish portraits of jazz musicians that Giovanni has taken over the years. This edition is of saxophonists Johnny Griffin and Von Freeman, who appeared together at the at Bimhuis on June 25/26, 1999.

Essay

“Like a Girl Saying Yes: The Sound of Bix” – an essay by Malcolm McCollum...The first time Benny Goodman heard Bix Beiderbecke play cornet, he wondered, “My God, what planet, what galaxy, did this guy come from?” What was it about this musician that captivated and astonished so many for so long – and still does?

Community

photo via Picryl.com
“Community Bookshelf” is a twice-yearly space where writers who have been published on Jerry Jazz Musician can share news about their recently authored books and/or recordings. This edition includes information about books published within the last six months or so (March – September, 2024)

Contributing Writers

Click the image to view the writers, poets and artists whose work has been published on Jerry Jazz Musician, and find links to their work

Coming Soon

An interview with Phil Freeman, author of In the Brewing Luminous: The Life & Music of Cecil Taylor...An interview with Ricky Riccardi, author of Stomp Off, Let's Go: The Early Years of Louis Armstrong. Also, a new Jazz History Quiz, and lots of short fiction; poetry; photography; interviews; playlists; and much more in the works...

Interview Archive

Ella Fitzgerald/IISG, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Click to view the complete 25-year archive of Jerry Jazz Musician interviews, including those recently published with Judith Tick on Ella Fitzgerald (pictured),; Laura Flam and Emily Sieu Liebowitz on the Girl Groups of the 60's; Tad Richards on Small Group Swing; Stephanie Stein Crease on Chick Webb; Brent Hayes Edwards on Henry Threadgill; Richard Koloda on Albert Ayler; Glenn Mott on Stanley Crouch; Richard Carlin and Ken Bloom on Eubie Blake; Richard Brent Turner on jazz and Islam; Alyn Shipton on the art of jazz; Shawn Levy on the original queens of standup comedy; Travis Atria on the expatriate trumpeter Arthur Briggs; Kitt Shapiro on her life with her mother, Eartha Kitt; Will Friedwald on Nat King Cole; Wayne Enstice on the drummer Dottie Dodgion; the drummer Joe La Barbera on Bill Evans; Philip Clark on Dave Brubeck; Nicholas Buccola on James Baldwin and William F. Buckley; Ricky Riccardi on Louis Armstrong; Dan Morgenstern and Christian Sands on Erroll Garner; Maria Golia on Ornette Coleman.