I’ve been writing like a lunatic all day–well, all week–and decided ten minutes ago that I needed some serious attitude adjustment right now, so I punched up iTunes and went looking for solace.
What did I choose? Miles Davis’ 1956 recording of If I Were a Bell, a song from Guys and Dolls that he turns into the hippest, hardest-swinging tune imaginable, aided and abetted by John Coltrane, Red Garland, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones. Three snaps of Miles’ fingers and the rhythm section eases in with a cool two-beat riff, followed by a tightly muted trumpet playing the theme. Then the Prince of Darkness takes a two-bar break, the rhythm section shifts gears, and all at once everybody’s off and running…and I’m smiling. And patting my foot. And wishing (for there is no light without shadow) that I were still a jazz musician so that I could spend my life playing such music. And feeling good again. And looking at the clock to see how long it will be before Mrs. T arrives on my doorstep after a week in Connecticut. And smiling some more.
Life is good. Likewise music. Listen to some.
Terry Teachout on the arts in New York City
