“I’ll take Manhattan.” Central Park in early spring (April 22, 2014) by Paul Goldfinger © Blogfinger.net
By Paul Goldfinger, Poetry editor @ Blogfinger.net. Re-post from March, 2018.
This song is dedicated to those New York poets who enhance our e-pages with their art. Charles Pierre and George Held often reference New York City in their poetry.
Both of them have sent us offerings set in early spring as crocuses emerge from the snow and as a poet finds nocturnal inspiration in a City park, but I am waiting till all the nor’easters fly with the birds to other locales.
I try to make the reality of life provide a backdrop for their work when it is presented on Blogfinger.
The song below, sung by 5 time Grammy nominee jazz singer Karrin Allison from her album Collage, was written by jazz bassist and songwriter Jay Leonhart. I believe Jay is the bassist on this recording.
I have heard Jay perform live on a number of occasions, and he is known for singing his original and funny songs while playing his upright bass. Sometime he works alone—singing while accompanying himself.
Jay Leonhart has played bass with all the greats, including Sinatra, Gerry Mulligan, Marian McPartland, Tony Bennett and so many others.
I suspect our BF poets will enjoy this song called “Robert Frost.” It’s wonderful!
That lyric poem is sublime, as is Jay Leonhart’s bass & Karrin Allison’s sensitive, plaintive vocal. Just wonderful, affecting.
Sort of fun to hear Frost called “Bobby” and to imagine him with “dishwater hands.” Thanks for sharing.