2. First stanza That note you hold, narrowing and rising,
shakes Like New Orleans reflected on the water, And in all ears
appropriate falsehood wakes, Building for some a legendary Quarter
Of balconies, flower baskets and quadrilles, Everyone making love
and going shares --
3. Second stanza Oh, play that thing! Mute glorious Storyvilles
Others may license, grouping around their chairs Sporting house
girls like circus tigers (priced Far above rubies) to pretend their
fabs, While scholars manqus nod around unnoticed Wrapped up in
personnels like old plaids.
4. Third stanza On me your voice falls as they say love should,
Like an enormous yes. My Crescent City Is where your speech alone
is understood, And greeted as the natural noise of good, Scattering
long haired grief and scored pity.
5. Sidney Bechet Born May 14th 1897, died on May 14th 1959 Was
an American jazz saxophonist, clarinettist and composer Came from
New Orleans, Louisiana Was part of the music group; Red Onion Jazz
Babies He made traditional music (not modern which Larkin disliked)
Some say hes the first notable jazz saxophonist
6. Philip Larkin Larkin was the jazz critic for the Daily
Telegraph between 1961 1971 Written in 1954 (published 1964) Larkin
said There are not many perfect things in jazz, but Bechet playing
the blues could be one of them in the Guardian (1960)