For Sidney Bechet

1. For Sidney Bechet

2. First stanza
That note you hold, narrowing and rising, shakes
Like New Orleans reflected on the water,
And in all ears appropriate falsehood wakes,
Building for some a legendary Quarter
Of balconies, flower – baskets and quadrilles,
Everyone making love and going shares --

3. Second stanza
Oh, play that thing! Mute glorious Storyvilles
Others may license, grouping around their chairs
Sporting – house girls like circus tigers (priced
Far above rubies) to pretend their fabs,
While scholars manqués nod around unnoticed
Wrapped up in personnels like old plaids.

4. Third stanza
On me your voice falls as they say love should,
Like an enormous yes. My Crescent City
Is where your speech alone is understood,
And greeted as the natural noise of good,
Scattering long – haired grief and scored pity.

5. Sidney Bechet
 Born May 14th 1897, died on May 14th 1959
 Was an American jazz saxophonist, clarinettist and composer
 Came from New Orleans, Louisiana
 Was part of the music group; Red Onion Jazz Babies
 He made traditional music (not modern which Larkin disliked)
 Some say he’s the first notable jazz saxophonist

6. Philip Larkin
 Larkin was the jazz critic for the Daily Telegraph between 1961 – 1971
 Written in 1954 (published 1964)
 Larkin said “There are not many perfect things in jazz, but Bechet playing
the blues could be one of them” in the Guardian (1960)