Pure Vinyl
by Lawrence J. Klumas
Old vinyl LP records silent in protective sleeves,
Skillfully designed artful cover,
Informative back page liner notes —
Waiting for conductor to downbeat.
First record selected,
Jazz saxophone – west coast cool–
Two of a Mind, Desmond & Mulligan.
Slide record out carefully,
Warmed up amplifier ready to please.
Nimbly place on heavy turntable.
Lightly let quality cartridge catch the groove,
Hear it slide onto opening track.
That beautiful sound – ah-h-h – rich, throaty.
The way music should be listened to,
On pure vinyl,
Like – you’re there.
_____
Lawrence J. Klumas has written poetry since 1958, and continued writing for his engineering profession — but, most recently re-immersed himself into poetry with a passion. He has been published in Que sais-je, on-line atJerryJazzMusician, Diocesan Messenger. He contributes a poem weekly to the Fallbrook, CA Episcopal Church newsletter. He has a chapbook submitted for San Diego Book Awards.
He is a retired USAF officer, an engineer, a Viet Nam veteran, and a past Assoc VP Occidental College (Facilities). He has a BS In Business Administration (with a minor in Literature) from Eastern Nazarene College, and both a BS and MS in Industrial Engineering from Arizona State University.
wonderful poems
Really liked Newell’s ‘Sketches of Spain’, a really strong haiku-variation.
Really liked Newell’s ‘Sketches of Spain’, a really strong haiku-variation.
Love this poem, very descriptive.
Love this poem, very descriptive.
I like this poem, What Billie Sang About, it’s very inspiring.
Thank you, Judy.
I like this poem, What Billie Sang About, it’s very inspiring.
Thank you, Judy.
I clearly visualize Spain’s intensely blue skies in “Sketches of Spain.” The last line of that poem is stunning–doing exactly what powerful music does–opens the soul. I look forward to reading your forthcoming book of poems.
I clearly visualize Spain’s intensely blue skies in “Sketches of Spain.” The last line of that poem is stunning–doing exactly what powerful music does–opens the soul. I look forward to reading your forthcoming book of poems.
“Pure Vinyl” is a good poem about one of my favorite albums, Two of a Mind. Well-done. It is a pleasure to see Mulligan and Desmond given their considerable due. I wore out my vinyl copy years ago.
“Pure Vinyl” is a good poem about one of my favorite albums, Two of a Mind. Well-done. It is a pleasure to see Mulligan and Desmond given their considerable due. I wore out my vinyl copy years ago.
Thanks Michael. I have both the vinyl and the CD. Your three short poems are great. Your contributions wonderful.
“Motion (for Elvin Jones)”: It is a pleasure to see one of the often ignored greats being given his due, a smoking hot drummer being honored with appropriate language. Way cool.
“Motion (for Elvin Jones)”: It is a pleasure to see one of the often ignored greats being given his due, a smoking hot drummer being honored with appropriate language. Way cool.
“Revelation” is good work. The final two stanzas are outstanding. They raise the hair on the back of my neck.
Revelation is good work. The final two stanzas are outstanding. They raise the hair on the back of my neck.
Dan Smith’s poem is very cool with a humorous bite in its closing lines. A good poem for oral presentation.
Dan Smith’s poem is very cool with a humorous bite in its closing lines. A good poem for oral presentation.
Dear Mr. Newell:
So glad that you liked my poem. I plan to add this to either my jazz poems set or my Cleveland Suite with The Deep Cleveland Trio.
I greatly enjoy John Stupp’s poem, “Four Pigeons” — I can envision Carl Sandburg reading it and bestowing his blessing on such fine work.
I greatly enjoy John Stupp’s poem, “Four Pigeons” — I can envision Carl Sandburg reading it and bestowing his blessing on such fine work.
Thanks for the kind words Michael. I’m just a sideman in this band. There’s a lot of good poems here.
“What Billie Sang About” is a poem that touches the heart, and summons up a jazz giant in all her pain and musical power. One can feel the empathy the poet has for the singer.
“What Billie Sang About” is a poem that touches the heart, and summons up a jazz giant in all her pain and musical power. One can feel the empathy the poet has for the singer.
Roger Singer’s “Release” captures admirably the pain, grief, and loss that has filled the work of so many jazz artists over the past century. Powerful work.
Roger Singer’s “Release” captures admirably the pain, grief, and loss that has filled the work of so many jazz artists over the past century. Powerful work.
So proud to publish such talented poets, and to see a community develop. I am very grateful to all writers who think enough of Jerry Jazz Musician to submit work for consideration.
So proud to publish such talented poets, and to see a community develop. I am very grateful to all writers who think enough of Jerry Jazz Musician to submit work for consideration.
All of the poems had some great poetic technique. I enjoyed them all. For Michael Newell. All the poems you have had in JJM, I have liked very much. You have a way of creating imagery, that really stays in the mind.
All of the poems had some great poetic technique. I enjoyed them all. For Michael Newell. All the poems you have had in JJM, I have liked very much. You have a way of creating imagery, that really stays in the mind.