Listen to Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto interpret Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “O Grande Amor”
Bossa
The beat is bossa
Songs with names like Dindi, pronounced ‘Zhinzhi’
Like fingertips stroking a five o’clock shadow
Stan Getz on sax, the American who
fell south and south again into Brazil
and landed in the lap of
hypnotic undulations of la bossa nova
His singular sax
wobbly, clarinettish vibrato
smoking breath of a dryer reed
(listen to Dusty match that menthol
on “The Look of Love”)
Here, meeting the challenge
of Gilberto and Jobim
(‘Zhilberto’ and ‘Zhobim,’ say it)
O Grande Amor
Chords minor and descending
never resolve until that solo,
the punchy, punchdrunk Getz
the aaaaaah of post-coital cigarette ash
© 2015 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
I landed “north and north again” into the land of cooking from scratch and scritching in my notebook, sketches that are on my Instagram account, @amybarlowjazz. If you enjoy ink drawings of anxiety attacks, well, hell! You’ll love my stuff! Also political commentary using an old airplane barf bag… it’s complicated.
My first poem coming back on the scene is for ABC Wednesday, with thanks to Roger Green, who always stays in touch, even when I’m not posting. Peace, Amy
Roger Green
May I say that the word undulation is sexy as hell? I may not? Oh, damn…
ROG, ABCW
sharplittlepencil
Oh, yeah, we are all about the “sexy as hell” stuff on this blog!! Thanks, Roger! A
Sara v
Amy, so wonderful to read and see you back in the poetry-amazing imagery-fun words-love this-biz. Huge welcome back hugs ❤ I have a new gig on wordpress–Sara v
sharplittlepencil
Oooh, a new gig? Will have to come over and hear about it. Thanks for the welcome back, honey. A
lesliebc
“Like fingertips stroking a five o’clock shadow” – fabulous simile
“the punchy, punchdrunk Getz” – perfect alliteration
and so many wonderful images! Love this!
Leslie
abcw team
sharplittlepencil
Thanks, Leslie! Yes, this came to me around 2 am as I was listening to a Go To Sleep, Amy compilation CD, lol.
readerwil
I can honestly call you a poet! Because I see the man playing. his music and inspiring his audience, while I am reading your poem.
Wil, ABCW Team.
sharplittlepencil
Wil, that is a wonderful compliment, thanks so much. I do try to tell a story most of the time. Glad the images in my mind came out on the screen! A
Nonnie
oh, my, it’s been a very long time since I heard Stan and his mellow sax! thanks for sharing this.
sharplittlepencil
Always glad to know there are other Stan Fans in the world. Yes, “mellow” is the precise word for his style… A
Oakland Daily Photo
I think he fell south and south again into Brazil. No music is as sensuous as this and so full of longing.
sharplittlepencil
Oh, I meant Rio de Janiero!!! You are so right, and is my little norteamericana face red!!! Thanks so much. Yikes, Argentina… And yes, the sensuality is oozing…
Beat About The Book
This was such a treat.
sharplittlepencil
Aw, thanks a lot! Amy
lmkazmierczak
I checked out your instagram account…I sporadically post there….you weave words like it’s your second skin….wonderful stuff♪
sharplittlepencil
Laurie, thanks so much. I will look for you on Instagram! I love your work in all its guises…. A
kaykuala h
Welcome back Amelita! Missed your very brave postings. Unlike others you say it like it is. And this time it is better yet. A rare musical interlude! Hank remembers Bossa Nova of old certainly. Thanks for the memories Ma’am!
http://imagery77.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-naked-truth-is-still-not-very.html
Hank