General Poetry posted March 23, 2025


Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted
theatrical music

Bobby Short

by Lobber

 
At nine the child was bound for fame.
By twelve, New York had heard his name.
And soon the world would know his smile.
His songs made magic, style on style.
 
He played for those who longed to hear
The echoes of a bygone year.
Cole, Gershwin, also Duke and Kern -
Four music greats, so much to learn.
 
His cabaret was polished gold ~
With wit that’s warm and charm that’s bold,
With melodies both rich and fleet,
Forever smooth, forever sweet.
 
His fingers traced a lover’s sigh, 
A champagne laugh, a moonlit sky.
Each melody—a whispered chance
To waltz through time in old romance
 
Rodgers, Porter, and Gershwin’s dreams
Were spun like silk in candle gleams,
No note too small, no phrase too slight —
He gave them all his soul each night.
 
From Broadway smiles to jazz-lit tears, 
He sang the songs, from bygone years . . .
Most at Carlyle’s, fans would rally,
He wove chords from Tin Pan Alley.
 
Stride hands that danced, a voice that swayed,
To Ellington and Waller’s shade.
Dear, Bobby at the Café’s glow
Your voice still hums in whispers low.
 
In New York’s jazz community
Your music sings eternally.
The city’s heartbeat, smooth and bright,
Forever playing through the night.
 
Yes, Bobby, still your echoes rise—
 A toast, a note that never dies.
 



A poem about a Man contest entry


'Lit' - as in jazz-lit, has been a slang term meaning "intoxicated" for over a century. More recently, it has acquired the meaning "exciting," and a broader meaning along the lines of "excellent."

Carlyle - For over three decades, Cafe Carlyle was synonymous with the legendary Bobby Short, who thrilled sell-out crowds for 36 years. His spirit lives on through the music at Cafe Carlyle. Other legendary musicians, such as Eartha Kitt, Elaine Stritch, and Judy Collins have also performed over the years at this famed venue.

Tin Pan Alley - was a collection of music publishers and songwriters in New York City that dominated the popular music of the United. States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Stride. - In music, particularly jazz piano, "stride" refers to a style where the left hand rhythmically alternates between a strong bass note and a chord, while the right hand plays the melody.

The term "stride" comes from the idea of the pianist's left hand leaping, or "striding", across the piano.

Shade - In music, "shade" refers to dynamic variations (loud and soft) to create emotional depth and interest in a performance or piece of music.

As a teacher of music and theater, I always found the music of Bobby Short particularly appealing.

Lobber


Pays one point and 2 member cents.


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