A Reflection by Terry Dawson
Dear People of St. James’,
“If music be the food of love, play on: give me excess of it …
O, it came upon my ear like the sweet south
that breathes upon a bank of violets.”
When Shakespeare penned the words above, he may not have had Jazz in mind. That’s only because he’d never heard it. Had he, he’d have surely exclaimed, “Now that’s what I’m talking about!” How can I be so sure? Read a bit of what accounted for literature before the Bard hit the scene. Most of it, non-fiction, falls pretty flat upon the ear. Biblical sagas and those of other sacred texts along with Greek dramas offered stories but Shakespeare animated his tales with spirited characters and dialog. In adding irony and satire too he rendered his stories infinitely more interesting. My point: Shakespeare wrote “Jazz”. He improvised on the historic and fictional lives of his day as say a Dizzy or Trane, exploring both agony and joy. In short, he merged poetry and prose to make the written word do what only Jazz can do: swing.
Who doesn’t want a little more swing in their lives? Who doesn’t want to dine on love and feel like their ears are sniffing violets? Who after the year we’ve had is not desperate for such sensations? Here, my friends, is the εὐαγγέλιον (“euangellion”) – the New Testament Greek word for “good news” — what we translate as “gospel”: Jazz at St. James’ has arrived, just as God always does: “on time”.
Yesterday I stood for the first time in eight months in the narthex of our church. Two masks clung to my face as I leaned against the glass partition revealing our sanctuary. Because every one in our family, including my 94 year-old mother-in-law living with us now, harbors a pre-existing condition, I could not risk exposing myself to the air on the other side now vibrant with sweet Jazz. My body felt heavy, exhausted from months of isolation and campaigns that had yet to render a firm result. Yet, despite the muffling of the sound, I could not keep my feet from taping. The handsome, be-spectacled black man seated on a stool there poured his heart out through a tuba, a trombone, a bass trumpet and on occasion his mouth alone — a man who only months early, when infected with Covid-19, felt the words — even if he’d not spoken them — of George Floyd: “I can’t breathe.” There was no mistaking it; Ron Wilkins was in the building. While he rehearsed and I listened, Shakespeare melodically rose in my thoughts If music be the food of love, my memory whispered, play on: give me excess of it.
Jazz at St. James’ celebrates its 26th year this coming weekend. After 25 years of festivals packed with live music, we sadly cannot gather to listen as one. While we remain socially distant, however, there’s no way we intend to keep silent. St. James’ is therefore proud to present its first virtual series of concerts, coupled once more with our culminating Jazz Mass. Now if you’re ready to have the mighty breath of God, what the Hebrews call ruah, blow the fatigue of a pandemic, voter suppression, racial hatred and partisan bickering right off you like pollen on the petals of your weary soul, you do not want to miss tuning into this Facebook/YouTube event this weekend. Concerts will be live-streamed Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00 PM, Nov. 13 & 14. They say 80% of life is showing up; well if you do so, I assure you the internationally renowned Professor Wilkins and his seasoned trio of young artists will lift you up. Then, in the words of Duke Ellington, Come Sunday at 10:15 AM when they combine forces with our St. James’ Choir, featuring the soulful vocals of Hope Morgan along with Rev. O’Brien’s “Feast of Holy Improvisation” message, you just may feel the weight of the last few years leave you with the breeze. Whether you find yourself ready to celebrate or in need of consoling, you owe it to yourself to gather in … even it is only around your computer or TV screen. We may not see each but we’ll feel our unity. If you don’t, you’ll get your money back. “What money?” Glad you asked. We will fully rely on donations this year so, after of course you’ve filled out your St. James’ pledge card, please be generous. Our triple mission of Jazz, Faith & Justice is at stake.
In keeping with tradition, we’ll also honor artists and volunteers committed to this mission. This year woodwind wonder and composer Alex Coke will receive the AD Mannion Award and Vicky and Brian Miller, our former JASJ chair, WEB master and Angel’s banquet hostess, will receive the Lonnie Jackson Award. For them and for all who’ve helped make this festival a reality in 2020, we give thanks.
The Rev. Dr. Terry Dawson, co-chair, 2020 JASJ Committee
