My father used to have, what was probably one of the more advanced "Hi-Fi" systems back in the day, and if he ever caught my brother or me touching it, we would be in big trouble. After mixing his "shaken not stirred" martini, Pops would take a big sip and let out the customary "ahhh." After that sound, it was time to get down.
His albums were neatly stored in the bottom part of the stereo cabinet. He would carefully sift through his inventory of music and find the right sound to fit the mood. Just as the olive accessorizes the martini, jazz compliments my Dad. On many occasions, he would select the smooth sounds of John Coltrane/ Johnny Hartman, followed by the Dave Brubeck Take Five album. My Dad is a huge Coltrane fan, so selecting this album came as no surprise, he also had a special connection with Brubeck's Take Five album. On many a martini day this is how the music played.
My Dad would line up his music up against the cabinet and then make his selection. One at a time, never stacking his albums on the turntable, for my Dad, that would be deplorable. The rest of the "on deck" albums would wait in line for their turntable time. Sitting back and seeing the album covers in this way, gave the appearance of a make shift "green room," were the next act would be waiting to hit the stage.
Jazz the ultimate improvisation, the type of music where we all listen, and yet hear something completely different. That is the beauty of Jazz, it's interpreted differently by everyone, that's how I feel about it, what about you?
2 comments:
Yo, my brother-
First, accept my belated but sincere congratulations on a job well done in creating "My Song, My Soul." It's a fresh use of the medium, and you really touch me and the readers with your sincerity.
As for this post, I too like to tell anyone who'll listen about Pops music collection, and all those Sunday afternoons filled with music when we were kids. I forgot about the martini. But you forgot (or maybe were saving for another post) the opera (Faust, Carmen) the Broadway cast albums (My Fair Lady) and the classical (Beethoven, Tchaikovsky) that also shaped our young musical minds.
Oh, and you gotta remember Miles, Jimmy Smith, Sarah Vaughn, Errol Garner, Dave Brubeck and Stan Getz when you remember Daddy's jazz, God bless him.
Peace!
(Big Bro)
Thanks Big Bro, a compliment coming from you is very special. Reading your praises adds to my inspiration, and desire to tell more stories about music and its influence in my life. My goal is to reach as many people who are willing to share their experiences and tell their stories also.
As you mentioned, there were many Sundays where Pop did his thing with the music and introduced our virgin ears to genres that were very different from what we thought was the only real music back then.
All I can say is thanks Pops, you opened my ears to some of the greatest music ever recorded.
wyntersr
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