The Green Mill (Chicago 8-19-2004)
We took the redline to Lawrence
and checked the world at the door
in the footsteps of all those before
who found solace in sax and
draped themselves in neon dreams
I must confess
how easily I acquiesced
to the Gresik groove
hundreds moved
as broad shoulders unloaded
some say this swing-style’s outmoded.
It don’t mean a thing
Brother, I felt the pulse
The heart’s still tickin’
after all these years
And I’m the first to say
That I’m blown away
If relics we are, I accept it
This hurried world, I reject it
As I go back in my mind
to a simpler time
learn a new step and perfect it.