Clubscene - WordJazz

Late at night

when all the drunks
disappeared
and
only the music lovers
linger
the lounge mood
transforms

intimacy becomes the norm
drinks are savored
voices
are
barely audible whispers
in
dimly-lit corners

musicians
no longer need
to dominate
they become innovators
of cleanly executed
melodic lines
and for
a moment or two
with
a
flamboyance

drums reinforce
with a simple
timekeeping pattern
wire brushes on snares
or
back beating
on suspended cymbals

double stopping
muscular approach
of the bass
supplies
a feeling of grace
and
freedom
underpinning
the group

a
grand piano's
voicing is polished
subdued
understated
and
occasionally
very
expressive

a
saxophone's
intonations are unusual
imaginative
harmonically oriented
solos

a
skilled flutist
conveys
a sense of timing
pitch bending
and
melodic lyricism
to
perfection

singers
paying their dues
one
with the name
Carri Bella
crooned
"Corcovado"
Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars
with
eyes closed
you could envisage
the
the open arms
of
Christ
on the mountaintop
looking
down on the
city
of
Rio de Janeiro

Last call

Redd Williams