Douglas Malan, Jazz, and Trains

Photo by DVS

Tonight Douglas Malan brings us back to the theme of music, specifically jazz.  

Realignment

I intended to be way up there,
Vermont, perhaps,
playing jazz
into the blue
predawn hours
sipping something strong. 

I intended to be there,
wrapped in meditative comfort
surrounded by walls of circles
possessing hot magic
in vinyl grooves and pockets.

I intended to be there,
the tick-tock of the wooden clock
marked the rhythmic electric flow
and ancient pines caked with snow
welcomed another midnight dusting
of slow, acoustic grace. 

I intended to be there,
watching from the window
speaking only when necessary
in low, liquid tones
to no one, or everybody
all of them unseen
from my den. 

I intended to be there,
but knew the velvet night
never lasts
and the sharp light changes me
agitates, enervates, misappropriates
pulls me out as I give in. 

I intended to be there,
but never went. 

Originally published in Jerry Jazz Musician.

Forged and Cast

I sit in the darkness,

eyes closed, but not asleep, 

listening for distant sound. 

Quick arrival, low hum leading 

to a mechanized rumble

and iron clacking drumbeat. 

Then, gone. 

Return to the night 

of crickets

and wisps through leaves. 

The faceless among them

hurtle into the mystery 

with industrial rhythm

powerless, hopeful.

***

I’ve been there. 

Boarded the City of New Orleans, 

northbound train #59,

Christmas season,

countryside lit up with joy and hope.

The potbelly stove and grandfather clock 

saw me off around midnight 

from Newbern, north of Memphis. 

Journey on. 

***

Low lights, scattered sleep

DuQuoin, Illinois 

God, don’t I know you well. 

Mom always held my hand tightly across Main Street, 

until she didn’t need to anymore. 

Got sick of this place, vowed never to return.

But it can’t leave me, and I love it more 

with time and distance. 

***

Black canvas, blur of light

drunk on sleeplessness

16 hours without speaking, 

I liked it that way.

Chicago, Omaha, Denver

retracing boyish steps, 

as a man. 

Breathless in Vail’s blue-haze snow

another clumsy attempt

because I didn’t belong. 

I was a connection 

between

humble farmers of dusty overalls

and jet setters of champagne baths

who will never meet. 

Every wailing train

makes me daydream.

--------------------------------

Of course, I am going to start with "Moonlight in Vermont," but this is a 1952 version with Johnny Smith on guitar and Stan Getz on tenor sax: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRNpc-hFkCs

Here is Ahmad Jamal's version from 1958: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Fqq8A61KFg

Now you have jazz in Vermont.  The Brian McCarthy Quartet plays "The Feeling of Jazz" at the Vermont Public Radio's studio:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfL0KC_eHq4

I'll finish up with Chuchito Valdes playing at the Vermont Jazz Center: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5WfKYpTH3c

Enjoy!