Jazz Jig for Jim

for piano (2013; 8 min.)

 Download the score

I composed Jazz Jig for Jim at the request of my dear friend Anne McGowan; it is a tribute to her poet husband Jim, who passed away in early 2014 (Anne herself left us a year later, to the day). Jim and I had a strong personal and artistic friendship, the latter culminating in my song cycle Sandpails.

“One of the loveliest times I’ve ever had as a composer, Jim, was when I set nine of your poems to music about a decade ago; your perfectly-chosen words and images led me to reservoirs of sound I’d never tapped before.

Late last year, Anne, knowing your days were growing short, asked me to commemorate you in music. She specifically mentioned jazz, a musical enthusiasm that lasted your entire life. The piece I wrote also evokes your love of Ireland; your gentleness; and, I hope, both the vigor and the sense of beauty that suffused your life and work.

As for the title, I know that, as a poet, you won’t mind a little wordplay. One of your verses I set is called Jig for James Joyce. From there, it’s just a hop and a skipping step to Jazz Jig for Jim. Thank you and farewell, dear friend.”

performed by David Vayo, piano (complete)

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