SPRINGFIELD’S MUSICAL PAST
( a short excerpt by the author introducing the past and present musicians) Dozens of photos are included that capture the true musical culture..
For many African-Americans, art and music spoke for us long before anyone would listen to our words. Art and music transcend all barriers of race and of language. It was understood, although musicians were good enough to share the stage with white bands, which was as far as it went. The change has been more of a gradual one, which the respect shown during the night to the musicians would carry over to be respect shown them during the daylight hours.
Jazz artists have been given royal titles that remained theirs until their death and long after. Titles such as the King, the Duke, or the Count were fitting and appropriate for the legendary Jazzmen. Maybe the titles of the highest honor have already been used, but for the Jazzman of today who plays for the pleasure and entertainment of the Springfield community, playing jazz from their soul, are entitled to respect and support from this community.
Legends of jazz once blew through this town...l
Just close your eyes
And let the Jazzman fly -
Their intimacy makes your passion rise
As you are made love to in your minds eye.
They are not ashamed to be seen
With their mistress -
The one that always makes their pain go away,
The one they boldly hold onto and play.
Bust your move - Mr. Jazzman
As you go into yourself
So mellow and serene with closed eyes -
I feel you are playing only to me
As I feel the moisture run
And my temperature rise.
Play - Mr. Jazzman
Play from your soul,
The pain, the love, the emotions
That no one else can know.