Bittersweet

Alexander's
on the twenty third floor,
of the Hilton
closed
the care free ambiance
with lit candles flickering
like
soft yellow eyes
where indulgence
in exotic entrees
and decadent desserts
and
intimate tête-à-tête
with the one you're with
was possible
while
vitalizing the imagination
with
unadulterated brands
of the distill
or
uncorked
essences of the vine
become absorb in the music
and relax
viewing 
the heart of the city

In this final scene
Dave Captien Benny Green and Ron Steen
reigned supreme

and featured the
talented instrumentalist
lyricist and vocalist
Belinda Underwood
Her soothing
and
vibrant sense of swing
with
old chestnuts
that draws you closer
to the core
in order for you to sustain
that connection
that is intricately
interwoven
into your exclusivity

jazz devotee
influenced by the rhythm
sway
the bassist weaves
a temperamental musical tapestry
the piano full of life
spiked
with an explosive
take
no prisoner style
of soloing
and
the drummers playful approach
to the time
his touch revealed
every subtle
detail

jumptown's most influential
players & singers
waited patiently for a chance
to say goodbye
luxurious gems
like Misty
done with a sultry voice
and
a muted trumpet
an unaccompanied intro
to
Summertime
 rich gorgeous tones
a sensitive touch
and
a vibrant imagination
Night & Day
sung in French and English 
evolved into an intense
soulful piece
had a calming effect
on the mind
then
the honed chop on trumpet
started doodling
away

the lounge was filled to capacity
all evening
five minutes to twelve
Belinda Underwood
intones
Monk's
Round Midnight
to a standing ovation
from an appreciative gathering

now the ghost
will take pleasure in the
reverberation  

Redd Williams
12/16/06