for toshiko akiyoshi
1929 --
in the spring sea
waves undulating & undulating
all day long
yosa buson
to swing like teddy wilson, the whimsical
go-between to fatha hines (who lively lurked
in impenetrable lounges of negro)
was one of a few jazzy thoughts a gifted,
piano loving japanese girl, late from
manchuria, might hold fast while seeking to
fashion out of her own sound & style a jazz
orchestra made in her image & steeped in
mirin, soy sauce & fresh ginger, dry rubbed &
marinated in coarse ellington spices,
boppish lines, bluesy seasonings…& cooking!
©Joseph McNair;2010
This is a wonderful series. I don't know this one so well because I am not that into jazz orchestras, but I will definitely check her out.I love the poem. How fitting for WHM. Thank you, professor!
ReplyDelete