As I continue my journey writing this biography on Sheila Jordan I am reflective as to my own intuitive feelings upon getting to know this wonderful Jazz messenger.
Sheila was gracious enough to record one of her songs on my recording project These Days back in 2006. The song was “The Crossing” and because it was a song she wrote about her recovery I thought it was a beautiful statement about hope and how when things look dark there is always something that can pull you through. In her case, it was the music she loves, jazz. We sang a duet with bassist Darek Oles in the tradition of the bass and voice style that Sheila has carved into the musical landscape as one of her contributions and innovations.
What an honor to be hurled into history with that moment and the many other moments spent with her and working on this book.
Several years prior I had written this poem for her and ended up reciting it on the recording with her singing an improvisation. Another special moment that I will never forget.
Below is the poem but I hope that some of you will seek out the track with her haunting and delightful improvisational call and response. She is a treasure to not only the jazz world but to those of us who have had the privilege of spending time with her and absorbing her wisdom and joyful spirit.
LITTLE MESSENGER
(For Sheila Jordan)
Little messenger
Singing jazz
As she passes our way
On the wings of blackbirds
That blow bebop changes
While telling Charlie’s stories
Through sagacious Cherokee eyes
Not a surprise
To watch wood and flesh
Inspired by the rhythm of ancient ancestors
Calling from the heart of time
The phrases of truth
Dripping down piano keys
Just to please
The songbird
Who perches on our souls
Spreading her seeds of joy
And love
And hope
While God holds her essence
In the perpetual palm of his spirit
As a gift to humanity.
Ellen Johnson
©2004 Long Snows Moon Music
This poem is available on the download or CD These Days featuring Sheila Jordan improvising in the background (available at iTunes and CDBaby.com). Go to: http://ellenjohnson.net/store/these_days/

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