Writing is like jazz. Each word, like each note, must be unexpected and yet feel inevitable, always following the theme. If it doesn’t echo the theme, then no matter how pure and clear, it sounds wrong.
Writing Like Jazz
Published by Norm Benson
My name is Norm Benson and I'm currently researching and writing a biography of Walter C. Lowdermilk. In addition to being a writer, I'm an avid homebrewer. I'm also a registered professional forester in California with thirty-five years of experience. My background includes forest management, fire fighting, law enforcement, teaching, and public information. View more posts
Nullius in Verba 
Dang, and I thought it was like a Sousa march.
Or “It’s a Small World”.
Or “Feelings”.
Or “Supertrooper” by ABBA.
Yeah, it’s ABBA. There’s no getting around THAT.
No, it’s like an egg. Or a nest, or something avian anyway.
I know, it’s a feather where each barb is smoothly connected to its neighbour; with enough of them properly organized you can fly!
Norm, you are setting the bar way too high.
Norm,
I do like the jazz analogy, but let’s face it, once you factor in somebody like Ornette Coleman or any of the free jazz or even some of the harp bop jazzers, that theme can get left way behind.
Me, I like a good Chet Baker tune.
I don’t go for Acid Jazz any more than I go for Acid Classical.
Early Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Paul Desmond, Diana Krall, Kenny Burrell, “Fathead” Newman,. … The list is a long one.
We saw Mama Mia (a play built around — egad — ABBA songs) in Las Vegas. It beat Cats.
Listening to Diana Krall right now. That Elvis fellow is one lucky Brit.
Yep, guilty pleasure though it may be, ya gotta give it up to those tuneful Swedes.
I will be in Vegas next week. Company meeting. First time it isn’t being held in San Francisco. I love San Francisco, don’t have much affection for Vegas. Last time I was there was with my three best friends (hitting fifty road trip). The Blue Man Group show was great, but the town itself strikes me as just one big fake. A fake that makes no bones about wanting one thing. Your money.
Too bad it wasn’t in SF. SF is a mere tres horas away. We could have met for coffee at Starbucks (there must be one around there somewhere, don’t you think?) and you could autograph Close Enough for Government Work.
Yep. Most years we stayed at the St. Francis right on Union Square. Great location and by golly there are one or ten Starbucks within trotting distance.
I have no idea why they decided on Vegas this year. Maybe the new Chairman o’ the Board likes the place. Corporate HQ is in the City by the Bay. In any case, they saw fit to put a little “behave yourself” reminder in the packets they sent to everyone. Should be interesting, as almost every year you could tell which manager(s) usually a rookie, who wouldn’t be back the next year. Some even got fired before the meeting week was up. Some people have no idea how to behave away from home (Wheee! Look Ma! No rules!) and they end up making fools of themselves. And now we’re going to the place that proudly advertises What Happens In Las Vegas Stays in Las Vegas? That’s crap. What you do stays with you no matter where you do it.
I’m done now. Off to work.
Have a splendid day!
Writing is like an unspoken word that finds a home in your mind.
A song without a tune.
A walk through an undiscovered world.
Writing has become my life since I found I’m quite good at it, but getting better every day.
Best wishes
Annie
Welcome Annie,
Stop by any time.
Love this – it is pure poetry. Wow.
S.E.
Thank you. Drop by anytime.