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Many men are melancholy by hearing
music, but it is a pleasing melancholy that it causeth; and therefore, to
such as are discontent, in woe, fear, sorrow, or dejected, it is a most
present remedy; it expels cares, alters their grieved minds, and easeth in an
instant. - Robert Burton
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Is there a 52nd Street
in heaven? Is there a Three Deuces, an Onyx, a Famous Door? Is there a place in
heaven where Birds can fly, where Dukes and Counts can muse and mingle? Is there a place where Lester and Billie can
forget the pain of mortality and sing and swing together like the days of old?
Are Louis and Ella crooning again? Is Frank standing before a sea of frenzied,
glassy-eyed bobby-soxers who scream and cry and swoon again? Is Monk still
transcending space and time, even in such a timeless place like the Great
Beyond. There’s gotta be a place for all
of the talent that passes from this world. Energy can be neither created nor
destroyed. It can only change in form. That razor-sharp sound that emanated
from Dizzy’s horn -- where did it go? The technical perfection of Artie’s
clarinet – can something like that just disappear? In my mind, I like to
believe that these wonderful men and women are still out there somewhere,
entertaining someone or something. Perhaps they are entertaining the angels.
And what lucky angels they would be. Is there a 52nd Street in heaven? God,
I hope so.
If I am lucky and heaven
exists, perhaps I will find out one day if there is a 52nd Street. Until then, I
will play these great tunes endlessly. Evening Melancholy was created for ears
that bend in a slightly different direction. Its only mission is to provide
comfort, solace and a treasure trove of great, classic music. Whether it’s
Clifford Brown on trumpet or Nat King Cole crooning before a microphone, the
only intent is to bring forth perfection in the form of musical talent. Let’s
not mourn the loss of all these great talents, talents that continue to leave
us to this very day. Instead, let us celebrate this wonderful art form known as
Jazz. Let’s celebrate the musicians and vocalists, the arrangers and writers.
This music wasn’t meant to sweeten the palate like a common stick of chewing gum.
This music was meant to placate the souls of those who seek life’s
answers. Jazz is a journey. Let’s hope
this trip never ends.
