Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Because I am; In Mem. Sidney Bechet, 1897-1959" by Hayden Carruth is a rich and evocative tribute to the legendary jazz saxophonist and clarinetist Sidney Bechet. Through this poem, Carruth, embodying the role of a "memorious old man," seeks to capture the essence of Bechet's impact on jazz and his personal memories of the musician. The poem is not just a recollection of Bechet's musical prowess but also an exploration of his character, his challenges, and his enduring legacy within the jazz tradition.

The opening lines immediately establish Carruth's intimate connection with Bechet, not just as a fan or an observer but as someone who has been tasked with commemorating Bechet's life and artistry through poetry. This task mirrors Bechet's own approach to music—improvising on well-known motifs to create something deeply personal and universally resonant. Carruth's use of "standard meter" to write about Bechet is a nod to the structured creativity inherent in jazz, where artists work within and beyond established forms to express themselves.

Carruth recalls a specific incident in Chicago, painting a vivid picture of Bechet's defiance and intensity. Bechet's dissatisfaction with the white band he was playing with leads him to a solitary, yet profound, act of protest—drinking brandy and throwing the glasses at the trumpet-player. This episode illustrates Bechet's uncompromising nature and his seriousness about his art, even in moments that might seem humorous to onlookers.

The poem then shifts to a reflection on Bechet's unparalleled musicianship, referring to him as "the best of all, / The first and best, and Iliad to my ears." This comparison to the epic poem underscores Bechet's monumental contribution to music and his role as a pioneer in the jazz genre. Carruth also touches on the mispronunciation of Bechet's Creole name, highlighting the cultural and racial challenges Bechet faced throughout his career.

As Carruth contemplates Bechet's legacy, he imagines the future of jazz, "ten thousand saxophones mumbling / In your riffs and textures, Papa Sidney." This imagery suggests that Bechet's influence extends far beyond his lifetime, permeating the music of countless saxophonists who follow in his footsteps.

The poem closes with a powerful visual of Carruth, standing in darkness, reciting his tribute to Bechet while "sparkling glass ponies come sailing at me / Out of the reaches of the impermeable night." This metaphorical image captures the essence of Bechet's spirit and music—dynamic, confrontational, and transcendent, breaking through the boundaries of time and space to leave an indelible mark on the world.

"Because I am; In Mem. Sidney Bechet, 1897-1959" is a deeply moving homage to Sidney Bechet, reflecting on the complexities of his identity, his artistry, and his impact on jazz. Carruth's poem is a testament to the enduring power of Bechet's music and the profound connection between the artist and those who continue to find inspiration in his work.

POEM TEXT: https://www.jerryjazzmusician.com/because-i-am-by-hayden-carruth/

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