A Collection of Jazz Poetry – Spring, 2022 Edition

This broad collection is comprised of work by a fascinating assemblage of writers from all over the world – many of whom are regular contributors, while others are either established but new to these pages, or are aspiring (and inspiring) poets.

No matter their background or style, the contributors have something important in common – using poetic language to share their love of jazz music and its culture, and the impact it has had on their life experience.

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

Joe

(Featuring the art of Corey Barksdale)

Interview with Richard Brent Turner, author of Soundtrack to a Movement: African American Islam, Jazz, and Black Internationalism
 

Short Fiction Contest-winning story #59 — “His Second Instrument” by Dave Wakely

In Mr. Wakely’s story, Gail’s days on the bandstand are behind her now, London nights swapped for the life of a farmer’s wife back in Devon.  But if an intriguing young man with a love of Billy Strayhorn wants sax lessons, who is she to deny him the chance to experience what she has given up?

(photo via Piqsels)

Interview with Joe La Barbera, co-author of Times Remembered: The Final Years of the Bill Evans Trio

Joe La Barbera is one of jazz’s finest drummers; his career was well-established when he first joined Bill Evans, and he has continued to be an in-demand drummer for some of the world’s premier jazz artists.  La Barbera talks with Jerry Jazz Musician contributing writer Bob Hecht about his book, and the significance of being the drummer in Evans’ last trio.

(photo of Bill Evans courtesy Brian McMillen)

Veryl Oakland’s “Jazz in Available Light” — photos (and stories) of Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones and ‘Toots’ Thielemans

Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones and “Toots” Thielemans are featured in this edition of photographs and stories from Veryl Oakland’s book, Jazz in Available Light

(photo of Dizzy Gillespie by Veryl Oakland)
 

Trading Fours, with Douglas Cole, No. 4: “Maiden Voyage”

Trading Fours with Douglas Cole is an occasional series of the award-winning writer’s poetic interpretations of jazz recordings and film.   In this volume, he writes about Herbie Hancock’s 1965 Blue Note recording, Maiden Voyage.

“The Compositional Genius of Bill Evans — A Brief Overview & Playlist,” by Bob Hecht

Over the decades, Bill Evans’ compositions have captivated and challenged so many other jazz musicians. To highlight his enduring compositional genius, Bob Hecht assembled a Spotify playlist of almost all of his tunes. In most instances, it includes a couple of versions of each tune by Evans and the many others who have covered, and continue to cover, this unique repertoire. Consider it a kind of ‘endless loop’ tribute, honoring one of jazz’s finest composers.

(photo of Bill Evans by Steve Schapiro, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Jazz History Quiz #152

Prior to Jack Teagarden (pictured), this trombonist — who gained a strong reputation playing with the Original Memphis Five and Red Nichols — was the most advanced in jazz. He and his band backed Sophie Tucker on her 1924 recording of “Red Hot Mama,” and he eventually went on to play with Paul Whiteman, Benny Goodman and Eddie Condon. Who was he?.
 
 
(Photo of Jack Teagarden by William Gottlieb/Library of Congress)

Also in this issue…

In the new edition of “Pressed For All Time,” producer Bob Thiele talks with Michael Jarrett about working with John Coltrane on the classic 1964 Impulse recording, A Love Supreme; a wealth of Spotify playlists; a new edition of “Sittin’ In:  Jazz Clubs of the 1940s and 1950s” focuses on two Harlem night spots; new editions True Jazz Stories; updates about writers who contribute their work to Jerry Jazz Musician; and new book excerpts, poetry and short fiction
 

In the Previous Issue

A Collection of Jazz Poetry – Fall/Winter 2021/22 Edition; an interview with Kitt Shapiro, author of Eartha & Kitt: A Daughter’s Love Story in Black & White; an interview with Wayne Enstice, co-author of The Lady Swings: Memoirs of a Jazz Drummer (Dottie Dodgion); and more…

(painting by Molly Larson Cook)

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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