A jazz concert

A jazz concert

People ask me what it's like

to go to a jazz concert

so I got to thinking 

how do I explain this?

a night of elation

excitement nervousness anticipation

building building building

entering the venue 

taking a seat front row

dim lights crowded tables

chitter chatter

waiting waiting waiting

the group comes out

suits on sneakers on hats pressed shirts

spotlight on them applause

a torrent of sound erupts 

lightning across the sky!

a familiar tune a new way

past present future

the group melds as one

solos pass along each performer

a narrative a storyline a conversation

fresh free fun fantastic

the sound seems to come from a higher source

hearing notes lines phrases stories
philosophizing through sound

everything is happening right now

clapping along each solo amazement 

you turn to look at the people in the club

the guy rocking back and forth

the woman closing her eyes in thought

the guy calmly drinking grooving along

the exuberant smiles popping 

feet tapping legs moving bodies swaying

feeding energy to the artists

and the music! 

zig zags circles lines spirals

red blue green yellow purple

clashing here dissolving there

purpose intention focus

and all the while I am happier here - there

at that jazz concert 

than anywhere else in the world

there is nothing so joyous as live jazz

for it reminds me that I am alive.

My sketch of Dave Douglas and Joe Lovano (L to R)

Inspired by Joe Lovano and Dave Douglas Sound Prints playing, "Destination Unknown" at Scullers Jazz Club on May 14th.