Samba da Benção

“O bom samba e uma forma de oracao
Porque o samba e a tristeza que balanca
E a tristeza tem sempre uma esperanca
De um dia nao ser mais triste nao”

— Vinicius de Moraes

All the moments I remember having floated most effortlessly into a daydream have coincidentally had this song playing in the background either in real life or in the soundtrack that plays endlessly in my mind, painting even the most mundane moments in hues of cadmium yellow & ochre.

I fly over and under my body, fumbling towards some beautifully unknown mirage, or perhaps a mirage I know too well and cannot describe in detail, for it exists only in that daydream and fades each time I'm brought back to chopping the garlic for dinner.

Like a chant of gratitude for each unnamed moment of bliss, I receive this rendition of Samba Da Benção like a prayer, a blessing.

Haupe

“I imagine an aspiring femme fatale who clumsily falls infatuated with everyone she tries to seduce …”

Not sure how or when I came across this deliciously unassuming masterpiece by the great Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn for the movie Anatomy of a Murder, but my soul is grateful each time I listen to it. From its undefinable title Haupe which has no clear definition to its mysterious melody sans lyrics, this song leaves me in awe and wonder all at once.

I imagine an aspiring femme fatale who clumsily falls infatuated with everyone she tries to seduce, her desire for control weans and turns into complete submission every time. Ultimately the desire to be loved supersedes the desire to defend the barricades of her tender heart.

If I ever feel brave enough to write lyrics, I hope to sing this song one day. Otherwise, I’ll hum it and leave the melody its mystery.

Mona's Jazzette

“I used to visit all the very gay places
Those come-what-may places
Where one relaxes on the axis
Of the wheel of life
To get the feel of life
From jazz and cocktails …”

— from Lush Life by Billy Strayhorn

Thank you for your interest in Mona's Jazzette, a place of musings, inspiration, updates on my whereabouts, and current musical & creative endeavors. Enjoy :)