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The Sunday Poem is published weekly, and strives to include the poet reading their work.
Connie Johnson reads her poem at its conclusion.
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Nights of Cool Struttin’
& I only know how to do it
with Sonny Clark in my ear
classic jazz iconography
shrouded in mystery
pianist supreme
ultimate sideman!
in the deep of the night
I drop by the Surf Club or
Junior’s Bar to catch another set
by this hard bop ambassador
pianistic / bluesology!
pyramids of longing &
funky, transfixing
blue notes
strut with me, Sonny Clark!
five will get you ten I might see you
again, o swinging sideman / titan of
hard bop / the epitome of cool
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Listen to Connie Johnson read her poem
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Connie Johnson is a Los Angeles, CA-based poet who has multiple Pushcart Prize nominations. She is the author of two poetry collections: Everything is Distant Now (Blue Horse Press, 2024) and I Have Almost Everything (Boats Against the Current, 2025); In a Place of Dreams, her digital chapbook (which contains audio readings and her personal narrative), was published by Jerry Jazz Musician. Click here to view it.
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Listen to the 1958 recording of Sonny Clark performing his composition “Cool Struttin'”, with Clark (piano); Art Farmer (trumpet); Jackie McLean (alto saxophone); Paul Chambers (bass); and Philly Joe Jones (drums). [Universal Music Group]
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Click for:
Information about Kinds of Cool: An Interactive Collection of Jazz Poetry
More poetry on Jerry Jazz Musician
“Saharan Blues on the Seine,” Aishatu Ado’s winning story in the 68th Jerry Jazz Musician Short Fiction Contest
More short fiction on Jerry Jazz Musician
Information about how to submit your poetry or short fiction
Subscribe to the (free) Jerry Jazz Musician quarterly newsletter
Helping to support the ongoing publication of Jerry Jazz Musician, and to keep it commercial-free (thank you!)
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Jerry Jazz Musician…human produced since 1999
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Ms. Connie Johnson, You definitely capture the essence of cool in this poem.
I’ve just read your brilliant digital chapbook “In a Place of Dreams”, which I
somehow missed in 2023–I’m always a little bit behind the times . . .
What a great chapbook it is! I love the way you blend autobiography with poetry.
Your insights into jazz and your descriptions of growing up in L.A. create
a wonderful poetic narrative that swings with time and place.
D H, I very much appreciate your kind words and observations!
Lately I’ve been reading and attempting to write more ekphrastic poems. I enjoyed your “The Shape of Jazz to Come,” which contrasted Ornette Coleman’s “Lonely Woman” with Rothko’s “Entrance to Subway.”
I’m still learning, so poetry like that introduces me to works of art that are really intriguing.
Thank you!