Tuesday, March 1, 2016

TWOFER - BATTLE OF THE BANDS meets THE IWSG








My BATTLE OF THE BANDS selection for March 1st is ‘Song of the Trees’ or as it’s better known; ‘Poinciana’. Yeah folks, it’s jazz.

Here’s what Wacky Watchee has to say:

"Poinciana" is a song to music by Nat Simon and lyrics by Buddy Bernier written in 1936. The tune is based on a Cuban folk tune "La canción del árbol" ("The song of the tree"). The poinciana tree itself, delonix regia, is a tree introduced to Cuba from Madagascar.[1] Glenn Miller performed it in the late 1930s with his civilian band and then again in 1943 using lush strings with his Army Air Force Band. Benny Carter and Bing Crosby both issued versions in 1944.[2]

It was widely popularised in the 1952 film Dreamboat and subsequently became a standard covered by artists including Johnny Mathis, Nat King Cole, Vic Damone, Keith Jarrett, Percy Faith, Diane Schuur, The Four Freshmen, The Manhattan Transfer and Ahmad Jamal, and which featured again in the 1995 film The Bridges of Madison County. In 1978 disco duo Paradise Express , recorded a version which made the top 20 on the disco charts.[3]

 You might remember I used a Jazz number is a recent BOTB and it worked out quite nicely. At that time I also promised that we would hear more from one of the contestants (the loser in that BOTB, in fact). So, let’s not waste any more time.

First up; The Keith Jarrett Trio



Next, Mr. Ahmad Jamal


Weren't those nice? Are you all relaxed? Ready to make a choice?

Now you know what to do and how to do it. Leave me your vote in the comment box and take a few words to tell me why you voted as you did. When you finish up here, go on over to the home of Mr. BOTB, Stephen T. McCarthy, where you will find an interesting BATTLE, I’m sure, and the list of other participants. You will find Stephen HERE

Please try to vote at all of the sites.
I’ll be back on March 7th to cast my vote and give you the final tally,


Back in December 2015, I promised myself I was going to get back to posting regularly with the IWSG on the first Wednesday of each month. Well, here it is March and I have yet to get an IWSG post together.

I’m going to combine that post here with my BATTLE OF THE BANDS, because, well primarily because getting one post up in a week is a feat of monumental proportions for me at this time, and it kind of seems ridiculous to post two days in a row and cover one up with the other so soon.

My IWSG is ‘short and sweet’. Here it is!





Just so you know, this advice is as much for me as any of you. I have to stop talking about my writing and put the fears to bed. I have three full length novels that need editing and refinement so I can start shopping them. I’m a terrible editor of my own work (who isn’t, really?), but that’s no excuse. I have got to let my dreams be way, way bigger than my fears. Starting NOW!

 How ‘bout you?

Anyone interested in doing some Beta reading of my rough drafts, please let me know in the comment section and I’ll get you more information on my work, to see if you think you still want to read and comment.

Anyone interested in learning more about the IWSG or to visit other posts of this nature please go to the home of Mr. Alex J. Cavanagh where you will find a Linky list and everything else you need to know about The Insecure Writers Support Group. While you're there don't forget to thank him for all he does with this group. Thank You Alex!

Until then. . . Happy Trails!

43 comments:

  1. Welcome back to the IWSG!
    No fear. Just dive back in and start editing.
    Of the two songs, I think the second one has a fuller sound.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks Alex, I need to finish up here and start making the rounds on some of those IWSG posts.

      Got you down for Ahmad.

      Delete
  2. I've been AWOL from BOTB for a month, so don't feel bad.
    Of the two contestants, my ears preferred Ahmad Jamal. He had a smoother sound, IMO.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Sometimes it's hard to keep up with everything.

      Another vote for Ahmad. I see a trend forming.

      Delete
  3. I like the second one better, just enjoyed it more. Very true, just have to dive in and edit, fear be damned.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Ha, ha, ha! That's me laughing at that damned ole fear.

      And, another vote for Ahmed. Oh Dear.

      Delete
  4. As I mentioned in the previous post where you used Keith Jarrett, I'm a fan of his music. His version has a bit of Martin Denny "exotica" sound to it. Love that style of music.

    I have a cassette of the Jamal album where he actually plays a different version of this same song--great album. This version you've presented is very similar to the Jarrett version, but I think overall I prefer Jamal's version.

    A vote for Ahmad Jamal.

    I'd love to Beta read for you, but I have such a difficult time reading for long stretches on my computer and I don't yet have an e-reader where I can sit in bed or a comfy chair to read. If you don't get anyone else I can try to read for you, but I can only say try. I wish you well on getting your work done. I'm in a similar place with mine.

    Man, I'm really digging this percussion on the Jamal version as I listen to this recording again. Good battle!

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

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    1. Seems like you and a lot of others like Jarrett, but just not enough to vote for him. I may have made a bit mistake in bringing him back, especially since both of these versions are similar. We'll see.

      Thanks for the offer. I have a few others, so I'll set you on the back burner and let you simmer for awhile. We'll see what happens there also, OK?

      Delete
  5. I like the second song better, Ahmad Jamal. Both songs were good, but this one seemed more to my taste.
    As for the IWSG, I'm in the same boat. I talk too much about getting my series complete but I'm doing little to actually get it done. I may have to take a blogging hiatus after April. Just to get some more writing done.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. OK, now we have Ahmad really running off with this one. Oh well.

      Blogging can really get in the way of a lot of things. It's not that it's a bad thing, but you do have to get your priorities in order. I'm am going to take a break here shortly. I really want to write more than these blog posts.

      Delete
  6. I liked the Ahmad Jamal version better, though I really enjoyed the Keith Jarrett Trio as well, especially the piano. But the sound was richer with the second version, to my ears anyway.

    Re: writing fears: I suffer from those as well! I think it ends up just being an excuse, in my case. But it's also insecurity. I like your quote, esp. the line about letting your dreams be bigger than your fears. Good words to live by!

    Michele at Angels Bark

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    1. You and just about everybody else, like Jarrett well enough, but just not enough to vote for him. So far this is a shut out.

      When it comes to writing, it's all excuses. We just have to decide what is more important; the excuses or the writing.

      Delete
  7. Oh-Oh! At this point you have a shutout going! I wish I could help you break it, but - although I voted Jarrett in your last one including him - I really like the Ahmad Jamal version a LOT here! You could almost cut and paste Lee's comments in here for mine... except for the part about owning a cassette of it. The echoes of "Sing-Sing-Sing" Krupa drumming in the background are really great. They drive the song along for me. Vote Jamal! Good battle.

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    1. Thanks Mr. VI. This was probably a mistake. Both versions are good (I agree), but you got to cast a vote and decide which is better, in your opinion. No worries.

      Delete
  8. Fae, first off I will be happy to be a Beta reader for you, but let me go on record in saying I haven't done this before. The experience might be good for me, though. It would be nice to contribute, if I can. The best thing that bothers me is that I'm pretty slow, and if that's not a problem then count me in. I could do something like read a chapter at a time then send it to you with markups or suggestions or what have you. Just let me know, if you think this arrangement is a good fit for you. Now on to this BoTB round. I believe I'm going against the grain. My ear preferred the jazzy sound of Keith Jarrett Trio the best. It was more traditional. Nice showdown! Oh yeah, I love the quote you used for IWSG. I, like you, keep wanting to get more involved with this meme, but it always slides pass me. I hope one day I can let my dreams be bigger than my fears.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yay! Keith Jarrett finally got a vote. Thanks Cathy.

      As far a Beta Reading, I would love to have someone who hasn't done this before give it a try. I feel that reading and doing a critique of other work, helps me see flaws in my own. I'll get something ready and look at your site for an email, so I can send it to you. Thanks so much for the offer.

      Delete
  9. "The only thing to fear is fear itself." (At least that's what I heard from somewhere (?)

    Hey, are you and McCarthy doing doubles again, re, this song?

    I thought I'd go with Jamal, but I like The Keith Jarrett Trio break away better!!

    Good to see you're back, (smile).

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    1. AND another vote for Keith Jarrett. Maybe he can make a comeback after all,

      Do you believe in coincidence, or not?

      Delete
  10. Well, we've got some bad news for you.

    First off, we'd love to beta read any of your work but right now one of us is in the process of buying/selling a house and the other is facing an intense deadline for a day job that's left both of us without any free time at all. If that clears up soon and you still need a reader, we're here.

    Second, we're both going to have to keep adding to that blowout, because we both prefer the sound of Ahmad Jamal.

    Fun fact: Ahmad is the name of the villain in our new book series. He's a terrorist, but I'm about 90% sure he can't play jazz like Jamal can.

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    1. Well double dog darn on that bad news. But, I'm sure I'll be at this whole editing process for a while,so, if some time frees up let me know. I really would like a male perspective, because one of my books is written about 50% in a male POV, and it's got a love triangle involving a ghost. sounds like something you guys write., Ahmad aside.

      Well, Jarrett had a run of a whole two votes for a minute there. Maybe he'll pick up another one or two, but I have a feeling that this BATTLE has been decided.

      Delete
  11. Both of these are excellent, classic Jazz recordings! I enjoy hearing both of 'em.

    But the AHMAD JAMAL version - recorded in Chicago (the most politically pure of all American cities) - clearly stands out to me as superior. For one thing, there's a quirky funkiness to it. But more than anything else, what seals the deal for me (and in no uncertain terms) is the drumming by Vernel Fournier.

    Fournier has a kind of "Joe Morello" vibe going on. If one concentrates on what he's doing, a person can't help but notice all the subtle nuances he adds. There are multiple shifts in rhythm and clever variations in sound that keep the jam fresh and very interesting. Although the piano is the overriding instrument, this is actually one of my favorite Jazz drum tracks.

    No one beats Morello for odd licks and unique rhythms, but Fournier is a serious contender and, in my opinion, he steals this show.

    Two fine, fine recordings, but... JAMAL by a ja-mile!

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

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    1. What an excellent comment. I don't want to tip my hand or vote, so that's all I'm going to say about that.

      Chicago the most politically pure of all cities...Ha, ha, ha. My dad died in 1999 and I'm sure he's still voting there. Yeah, I'd call that politically pure and totally free from fraud.

      Delete
    2. >>... My dad died in 1999 and I'm sure he's still voting there.

      Ha!-Ha! And no doubt with a "D" next to his name!

      ~ "R"-FensDogG
      'Loyal American Underground'

      Delete
  12. Replies
    1. Well thank you sir. Appreciate you stopping by and voting. AND, I really appreciate another vote for Jarrett, so as not to make this such a lopsided BATTLE.

      Delete
  13. My vote goes for Ahmad Jamal, I liked the percussion in his version and that is what swayed my vote.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm going to do this in reverse order. Normally, I would comment on BoTB and then your IWSG post. Not today. I feel terrible about not having read what you sent me a LONG TIME AGO. In case you think it's you or your story... it's not. It's me. In point of fact, I haven't read ANYTHING in months. I think it has something to do with the fact that I simply haven't felt good. I was beginning to work up some energy to put into the project of reading/writing when I had my car accident last week. That event made me realize how much I NEEDED to read/write, but I've felt even worse. I had to go to the doctor (my ankle is swollen and hurts like the dickens, as well as the rest of my right leg AND lower back). Turns out, I was hit very hard (looks like they might total the car), so these minor injuries are a blessing. However, they are sucking at my resolve right now. BUT, I have told myself I will attack my revisions (with the notes on my kindle), so I can free my kindle up to read other things (like your story). This is a very long-winded apology for being a lousy beta reader. I am aware and am promising myself (and you) I'll do better.

    Now, on to the song. Normally I really like piano-driven music. In fact, The Keith Jarret Trio was pleasant. However, the percussion-driven version by Jamal was more interesting with flourishes from the other instruments. So, I'm not going to help narrow this margin (sorry!) because my vote goes to Jamal.

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    1. I'm going to switch this up yet again. I usually don't try to predict who will vote for whom, but you so often vote for the predominant piano, that I really figured you as a vote for Jarrett. Just goes to show what I know.

      No worries. I know how hard it is to get to ANYTHING when you don't feel well. If you get around to it, no problem, send me your thoughts. If not no problem. I do find that reviewing other works helps be get fired up about my own. It also helps me to see some of my own flaws and be a bit more anxious to dig out the WIP and make corrections.

      Delete
  15. I find it amazing that you and Stephen both decided to center your battle on the same song, presumably independent of one another.

    I'll go with Ahmad Jamal here. His arrangement was a little more lively. Jarrett's tended to get into the area where it sounds like he's just noodling around.

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    1. Amazing isn't it? And if you believe that one, I have a nice bridge in NY that I'd like to show you sometime.

      Jarrett lost out on the noodling, Huh? OK, that's as good a reason as any.

      Delete
  16. Wow, I loved both and found this one to be a tough-y. Jarrett was awesome, but I have to give my vote to Jamal this time around.

    Nice job! :-)

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    1. Yet another voter who likes both, but Jamal just edges Jarrett out. Thanks Cherdo.

      Delete
  17. I vote for The Keith Jarrett Trio. I felt I was with them. In fact, I think I'll sit down at the piano in a few minutes.

    Love,
    Janie, who happens to be an editor who would like to work for you

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    1. Ah, another vote for Jarrett. I fear he will not catch up to Jamal, but it's nice to close the gap a little.

      Thanks for the offer and know that I will keep you in mind, but at the moment, I'm looks for some free advice from BETAS. When I get to the final process,(and put away some $$$) I'll get in touch.

      Delete
  18. Give my vote to Jamal. I really liked the style he gave a bit more than the other although both are excellent.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. AGAIN. I hope it's not rude to refer to to almost every reply above.

      Delete
  19. Oh, very hard choice. Haven't heard this song in years Jarrett is just so light on the keys. But... it took a while for the melody to finally make an appearance. I'm going with Jamal.

    I don't know what your genre is... let me know. If I feel we're compatible I'd be happy to be a reader and splash red ink all over your words.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. You and just about everybody else - voting for Jamal, that is.

      Thanks Bish. I'll send you an email next week and let you know what I've got. Then if you think it's up your alley. I'll send the WIP.

      Delete
  20. I'll take Jamal. Reminds me of things I used to hear as a very small kid.

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    1. First vote for nostalgia, but no matter I'll take it. Thanks for stopping by CW.

      Delete
  21. FAE, this was a great battle! I thought both versions were really good, but I'm going with the Keith Jarrett Trio. Their version took me decades away, and into a hole-in-the-wall, smoky, sweaty jazz club - the best kinds!

    Kim (ReInVintaged)

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    1. Great imagery Kim, thanks for coming by. One more vote for Jarrett.

      Delete