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Regaining the Rhythm, the Melody, the Mood

This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.


Taylor Swift made it onto my top five artists on Spotify last year. Now, let the record state that I do like some of her music. Just nowhere near as much as my girlfriend. But, watching her sing and dance to Taylor Swift in the car is a magical thing and I’m weak for these moments. So, whenever she suggests a bit of “T-Swizzle,” I’m game.

That said, seeing Taylor there was a wake up call. It reminded me that my life had been lacking a fundamental ingredient — jazz. I remember before, there was always a soundtrack to my day. And whenever I hammered away at the blank page there was almost always the backdrop of some double bass, piano, and a horn player blowing me into some kind of flow state. The rhythm, the melody, and the instant mood it created gave me something to dig into. If I was ever struggling to find the words, I’d hit play and let music lead the way.

If it was a single piano, I’d write as if I was to recite the words, with the backing of a piano, on the Steve Allen Show. If it was a trio, I’d write with the vision of it being on an album. Sometimes, I’d just pick up a guitar and play until I stumbled onto something that sounded like words could follow. A person who writes tends to live a quiet life. To change that, I turned up the music.

It was easier when I lived alone. But, the year ahead needs a soundtrack — a mood — to regain the beat that used to guide me. It needs a naughty double bass. A pumping rhythm section. A sax player howling a truth and a melody to move to. So, I’m listening to the music I used to. And not just singles and albums, but those long-ass playlists on Spotify that roll on all afternoon.

Life is already better for it. Whether it affects my work or not, it doesn’t matter, because as was (and is) always the case, life is better to the backdrop of jazz.

I’m glad I remember that now.


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