One Note Samba
A Poem
It’s only spring rain but I’m at your doorstep wet and frantic, holding one note
I pace my whole range in busy rain so spirited and descending, chords pelting, on tether to you
I couldn't be more soaked
My feet stay rooted to sound out my love through dance of rain, wet patter drums, all of my instruments writing this note, my offer to you holds
Notes: Inspired by “Samba de Uma Nota Só” performed without lyrics by Dizzy Gillespie and his band (composed by Antônio Carlos Jobim, lyrics by Newton Mendonça). His solo starts at the 5:30 mark. The arrangement is essentially cool and much livelier than Getz & Byrd’s famous, smooth version which is among dozens of notable covers including Stereolab.
The lyrics were equally as influential to me as Jobim’s detailed and delightful composition paired with Gillespie’s playful dexterity.
The live recording below is really worthwhile and shows Dizzy joking around with the audience before and after.
Written for the July Summer Music Challenge where I wrote a poem or story about bossa nova for 31 days. See below for all entries including Terry Barr’s 8 brilliant memoirs about summer and music:
