The “Three Dot Update”…An occasional flurry of news and information, Vol. 3

November 23rd, 2020

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photo Creative Commons Zero – CC0

photo Creative Commons Zero – CC0

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“When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.”

-John F. Kennedy, in an October, 1963 address at Amherst College honoring the poet Robert Frost, who died in January of that year

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…..We are clearly living during a time of arrogance and corruption, a time when the news is fast, furious, and outrageous – a time like that which Wallace Stevens characterized at the outset of World War II as contributing to a “pressure of reality.”   This pressure may be overcoming us today, to the point where it is near impossible to seriously make room in our psyche for what Stevens called the “power of contemplation.”

…..In Why Poetry?, Matthew Zapruder’s excellent exploration of poetry – and his plea to return to reading it – the author quotes Stevens as saying in a 1941 lecture, “For more than ten years now, there has been an extraordinary pressure of news…at first, of the collapse of our system, or, call it, of life…and finally news of a war…And for more than ten years, the consciousness of the world has concentrated on events which have made the ordinary movement of life seem to be the movement of people in the intervals of a storm…Little of what we believed has been true.  Only the prophecies are true.  The present is an opportunity to repent.”

…..Zapruder writes that what Stevens argues for is to “actively resist the pressure of all the news and information and input with which we are flooded, to push back with force to create a different kind of space within ourselves,” and to propose “a kind of environmentalism of the imagination, a call for us to actively carve out in our own minds and daily lives a space for imagination that is like a nature preserve or ecologically protected area.”

…..Based on the amount of quality poetry being submitted to Jerry Jazz Musician virtually every day, poets are busy with the work of psychic exploration, often times with jazz at the center of their thoughts, and at others with contemporary challenges influencing their themes.  Understanding that people long for connection during this time of intense division, chaos, illness and sadness, I have tried to make room for both creative pursuits, publishing quarterly collections of jazz poetry as well as periodic collections of poetry that reflect our vehement, turbulent times. Both of these concepts will continue here indefinitely because I believe that, in the words of Zapruder, there will always be a “few moments at least,” where, with poetry, “we can feel protected against the constant superficial, distracting noise that is the pressure of the real, where we can feel renewed, so that something else can begin to happen.”

…..And something else indeed needs to happen.  So, why not poetry?

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…..With that in mind, some things regarding poetry to report on…The autumn collection of jazz poetry will be published the week of November 30.   Much of the work submitted is awe-inspiring and provocative, and the result is another edition of contributions by writers – many published on Jerry Jazz Musician for the first time – who are playing a part in growing the contemporary creative culture of this most American of music…Also, there will be another collection of “Poetry reflecting the era of COVID, Black Lives Matter and a heated political season.”  This edition – the fifth of its kind – will likely be published on or around January 20 (a day that can’t come around soon enough).  Poets who wish to submit their work for consideration can click here for information on how to do so.

…..Other news to share…Last week I had the privilege of interviewing Ricky Riccardi, author of the acclaimed Heart Full of Rhythm: The Big Band Years of Louis Armstrong.  Anticipated publication date of the interview is December 14.  I can’t recommend this excellent book highly enough – it is a thorough view of the artist’s career from 1929 – 1947 (the years his big band was in business), and an interesting look at American history with Armstrong at its center.  To get a feel for it, check out an excerpt by clicking here…I have set up an interview with Kevin Whitehead, the jazz critic for NPR’s “Fresh Air with Terry Gross,” and author of Play the Way You Feel:  The Essential Guide to Jazz Stories on Film, a book that, according to its publisher (Oxford), “looks closely at movies, cartoons, and a few TV shows that tell jazz stories, from early talkies to modern times, with an eye to narrative conventions and common story points.”  I am hopeful the interview will be published sometime in January.

…..Last week, the winner of the 55th Jerry Jazz Musician Short Fiction Contest was announced and published.  You can read “Chromesthesia,” Shannon Brady’s wonderful story of connecting music to color – and coming to terms with the loss of a beloved father – by clicking here.  In the coming weeks, several of the short-listed entries from the 55th competition will also be published.  You can get information about the 56th Short Fiction Contest by clicking here.

…..A couple of interesting albums to make mention of; Monday Nights is a terrific recording by the husband and wife team of vocalist/guitarist Sophie Bancroft and bassist Tom Lyne, who interpret standards like “On the Street Where You Live,” “Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby?” and “You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To.”  Recorded during their COVID-necessitated weekly Facebook livestream performances, you can find information about this imaginative and comforting recording by clicking here…The other album stuck on my “turntable” of late is the saxophonist Carla Marciano’s Psychosis – Homage to Bernard Herrmann.  Ms. Marciano is considered to be one of the top jazz talents in Europe, and this recording is her homage to Herrmann, a genius of mid-20th Century film score.  Exquisite and powerful renditions of memorable music from films like Taxi Driver, Psycho, Vertigo and Marnie.   Click here for info on the recording.

…..A few contributing writers have news to share…Charles Ingham, whose uniquely creative “Jazz Narratives” have been published in their entirety on Jerry Jazz Musician, reports that his book Los Angeles Blue Notes: A Photo-Narrative History of L.A. Jazz has been published by Border Ink Press.  The book was created as something like a “catalog” for a group art gallery show he is participating in, and features many of the narratives that originally appeared here.  You can request information from Charles about his book by clicking here…The jazz poet Namaya’s new CD, Jazz Ku Bop: Jazz in the Key of Ku – an innovative fusion of jazz, word, story and dream – is now available.  Information about it can be found by clicking here…Ed Ruzicka’s new collection of poetry, My Life in Cars (Truth Serum Press) is a “ménage a trios between desire, America’s highways and the wizardry of words.”  Information about the book can be found by clicking here

…..Finally, some sad news to report.  Steve Young, an award winning broadcast journalist and accomplished short fiction writer whose work appeared in many publications, once even garnering a Pushcart Prize nomination, passed away in August.  His story “Bella by Barlight” was a short-listed entry in our 54th Short Fiction Contest, and was, according to Steve’s son-in-law Justin, his last published piece.  You can read it by clicking here.  Heartfelt condolences to those Steve touched.

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…..Thanks for reading…Keep the faith, and may the grace of Thanksgiving enrich you and yours this year, as always, in good health.

…..Joe

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Listen to the poet Robert Creeley read “Have We Told You All You’d Thought To Know,” backed by John Mills (saxophone), Steve Swallow (bass), and Chris Massey (drums)

 

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Site Archive

In This Issue

painting of Clifford Brown by Paul Lovering
A Collection of Jazz Poetry — Spring/Summer, 2024 Edition...In this, the 17th major collection of jazz poetry published on Jerry Jazz Musician, 50 poets from all over the world again demonstrate the ongoing influence the music and its associated culture has on their creative lives.

(featuring the art of Paul Lovering)

Feature

photo of Rudy Van Gelder via Blue Note Records
“Rudy Van Gelder: Jazz Music’s Recording Angel” – an essay 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.

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.

Publisher’s Notes

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

The Sunday Poem

painting by Jennylynd James
”He Jazzed His Way," by Susie Gharib

Click here to read previous editions of The Sunday Poem

Essay

“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.

Short Fiction

Impulse! Records and ABC/Dunhill Records. Photographer uncredited/via Wikimedia Commons
Short Fiction Contest-winning story #66 — “Not From Around Here” by Jeff Dingler...The author’s award-winning story is about a Jewish kid coming of age in Alabama and discovering his identity through music, in particular the interstellar sound of Sun Ra..

Click here to read more short fiction published on Jerry Jazz Musician

Playlist

“‘Different’ Trios” – a playlist by Bob Hecht...A 27-song playlist that focuses on non-traditional trio recordings, featuring trios led by the likes of Carla Bley, Ron Miles, Dave Holland and Jimmy Giuffre...

Feature

Excerpts from David Rife’s Jazz Fiction: Take Two – Vol. 5: “Scott Joplin: King of Ragtime”...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 sixth edition of excerpts from his book, Rife writes about jazz novels and short stories that feature a theme of “mystery.”

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.”

Poetry

John Coltrane, by Martel Chapman
Four poets, four poems…on John Coltrane

Feature

What we discover about Kamala Harris from an armful of record albums...Like her or not, readers of this site will enjoy learning that Vice President Kamala Harris is a fan of jazz music. Witness this recent clip (via Youtube) of her emerging from a record shop…

Short Fiction

Munich University of Music and Theater/© Raimond Spekking/via Wikimedia Commons
“The Pianist (Part One)” – a short story by J. C. Michaels...The story – finalist in the recently concluded 66th Short Fiction Contest – describes the first lesson at a music conservatory of a freshman piano-performance major who is more accustomed to improvising than reading music. It is an excerpt from a novel-in-progress.

Poetry

“Revival” © Kent Ambler.
If You Want to Go to Heaven, Follow a Songbird – Mary K O’Melveny’s album of poetry and music...While consuming Mary K O’Melveny’s remarkable work in this digital album of poetry, readings and music, readers will discover that she is moved by the mastery of legendary musicians, the wings of a monarch butterfly, the climate and political crisis, the mysteries of space exploration, and by the freedom of jazz music that can lead to what she calls “the magic of the unknown.” (with art by Kent Ambler)

Book Excerpt

A book excerpt from Designed for Success: Better Living and Self-Improvement with Midcentury Instructional Records, by Janet Borgerson and Jonathan Schroeder...In this excerpt, the authors write extensively about music instruction and appreciation records dealing with the subject of jazz.

Interview

The Marvelettes/via Wikimedia Commons
Interview with Laura Flam and Emily Sieu Liebowitz, authors of But Will You Love Me Tomorrow?: An Oral History of the 60’s Girl Groups...Little is known of the lives and challenges many of the young Black women who made up the Girl Groups of the ‘60’s faced while performing during an era rife with racism, sexism, and music industry corruption. The authors discuss their book’s mission to provide the artists an opportunity to voice their experiences so crucial to the evolution of popular music.

Short Fiction

photo via FreeRangeStock
“Hip Replacements” – a short story by William Torphy...The story – a short-listed entry in our recently concluded 66th Short Fiction contest – is a humorous take on a septuagenarian attempt to resurrect a revival band.

Art

photo of Leroy Jenkins by Giovanni Piesco
The Photographs of Giovanni Piesco: Leroy Jenkins...photos of the eminent free jazz violinist, taken at Amsterdam's Bimhuis on January 4, 1999.

Short Fiction

Shisma, CC BY 4.0  via Wikimedia Commons
“Nostalgia” – a short story by John-Paul Cote...Harlan has an addiction. A most illegal addiction. It drives him from morning until night. He dreams of it. How can he escape it before it brings him into the arms of the law? Down a dark alley he will find out just how far he is willing to go.

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?

Trading Fours with Douglas Cole

Trading Fours, with Douglas Cole, No. 21: “The Blue Truth”...In this edition, the poet riffs on Oliver Nelson’s classic 1961 album The Blues and the Abstract Truth as if a conversation between conductor and players were caught on tape along with the inner monologue of some mystery player/speaker of the poem.

In Memoriam

Hans Bernhard (Schnobby), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
“Remembering Joe Pass: Versatile Jazz Guitar Virtuoso” – by Kenneth Parsons...On the 30th anniversary of the guitarist Joe Pass’ death, Kenneth Parsons reminds readers of his brilliant career

Book Excerpt

Book excerpt from Jazz with a Beat: Small Group Swing 1940 – 1960, by Tad Richards

Click here to read more book excerpts published on Jerry Jazz Musician

Jazz History Quiz #176

photo of Lester Young by William Gottlieb/Library of Congress
While legendary as a saxophonist, his first instrument was a violin and his second the piano — which he played well enough to work as an accompanist to silent movies. Ultimately it was Lester Young’s father who taught him the saxophone well enough that he switched instruments for good. (It was during this time that he also saved Lester from drowning in a river). Who is he?

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 Larry Tye, author of The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America; an interview with Jonathon Grasse, author of Jazz Revolutionary: The Life & Music of Eric Dolphy; A new collection of jazz poetry; a collection of jazz haiku; a new Jazz History Quiz; short fiction; poetry; photography; interviews; playlists; and lots 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.