Alexis Rhone Fancher: Listening to Bill Evans Play Stella By Starlight

.
“I listen to Stella by Starlight and shiver deep 
in a nameless place.” - Gary Lemons
 
 
Side tracked, hijacked,
The words unnecessary, but
Each syncopated 
Lyric, each luscious
Lament
Added up
 
Brazen, words seemed, muddying perfection.
Yet 
 
Suppose those lyrics meant something
To somebody?
A melody
Reinterpreted,
Lit up.
It started out like we did: wordless. 
Gained momentum.
Hurtled into starlight. The words, the music.
The two of us.


 --
 
Author's Note: Stella by Starlight was written 
by Victor Young as an instrumental for the 1944 
film, The Uninvited (Paramount Pictures). Ned 
Washington added the lyrics in 1946.



Poem and image copyright 2020 Alexis Rhone Fancher.

3 comments on “Alexis Rhone Fancher: Listening to Bill Evans Play Stella By Starlight”

1. Beth

   September 16, 2020

   

   Oh I love this jazz solo. “It started out like we did” — gains a kind of poignancy, hurtling towards coupledom. Very fine indeed. And the photo, a perfect companion.

   LikeLiked by 2 people

   Reply
   • Vox Populi

     September 16, 2020

     

     Good description, Beth. Thanks.

     LikeLiked by 2 people

     Reply
2. loranneke

   September 12, 2020

   

   Ah — a lovely poem indeed!

   LikeLiked by 2 people

   Reply

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