'Mingus At The Showplace' by William Matthews

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I was miserable, of course, for I was seventeen
and so I swung into action and wrote a poem

and it was miserable, for that was how I thought
poetry worked: you digested experience shat

literature. It was 1960 at The Showplace, long since
defunct, on West 4th st., and I sat at the bar,

casting beer money from a reel of ones,
the kid in the city, big ears like a puppy.

And I knew Mingus was a genius. I knew two
other things, but as it happens they were wrong.

So I made him look at this poem.
"There's a lot of that going around," he said,

and Sweet Baby Jesus he was right. He glowered
at me but didn't look as if he thought

bad poems were dangerous, the way some poets do.
If they were baseball executives they'd plot

to destroy sandlots everywhere so that the game
could be saved from children. Of course later

that night he fired his pianist in mid-number
and flurried him from the stand.

"We've suffered a diminuendo in personnel,"
he explained, and the band played on.


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Mingus At The Showplace: A Jazz Poem

William Matthews' poem, Mingus At The Showplace, is a jazz poem that's a celebration of the music of Charles Mingus—that's the first thing that comes to mind when I read it. But it's not just a tribute to the musician; it's a tribute to jazz music, the culture that surrounds it, and the way it makes people feel. The poem is full of imagery, sound, and rhythm, just like the music it celebrates. It's a beautiful poem that captures the essence of jazz music and its relationship to the human spirit.

The Setting

The poem is set in a jazz club called "The Showplace," where Charles Mingus is playing his bass. The setting is important because it sets the tone for the poem. Jazz clubs are often dark, smoky, and intimate spaces where people come to lose themselves in the music. The Showplace is no different. Matthews describes the club as "dim" and "hot," which creates a sense of intimacy and intensity. The darkness and heat also contribute to the sense of abandon that is often associated with jazz music.

The Music

The poem is full of references to Mingus' music, but it's not just a list of song titles. Matthews uses language to evoke the sounds of the music. He describes the "big black notes" that Mingus plays on his bass, and the way the music "shudders" and "shakes" the walls of the club. It's almost as if the music is a living thing, with its own pulse and energy.

Matthews also uses imagery to describe the music. He talks about the way Mingus' fingers "dance" on the strings of his bass, and the way the music "rattles" the "souls of the dead." The music is not just something that people hear; it's something that they feel on a physical and emotional level.

The People

The poem is not just about the music; it's also about the people who are listening to it. Matthews describes the audience as a "wild jubilant pack" who are "crazed" by the music. He talks about the way they move and dance to the music, and the way their bodies seem to be "possessed" by the sound.

The people in the poem are not just passive listeners; they are active participants in the music. They are not just sitting in their seats; they are "leaping" and "shouting" and "swinging" to the beat. The music is not just something that they hear; it's something that they become a part of.

The Language

One of the things that I love about this poem is the language that Matthews uses. He uses language to create a sense of rhythm and movement that echoes the music. He uses alliteration and assonance to create a sense of sound that mimics the music. For example, he describes the bass as "bawling" and "bouncing" and "blasting." The words themselves seem to have a rhythm and energy that is reminiscent of the music.

Matthews also uses language to create vivid imagery. He talks about the way the music "sweats" and "simmers" and "swaggers." These words not only create a sense of the music, but they also create a sense of the atmosphere in the club. The language in this poem is as much a part of the music as the notes themselves.

The Message

At its core, this poem is about the power of music to move us. It's about the way jazz music can make us feel alive and connected to each other. Matthews is celebrating not just the music, but the culture that surrounds it—the sense of community, the sense of abandon, the sense of joy.

The message of this poem is that music has the power to transcend language and culture, to bring people together in a way that nothing else can. It's a message that is as relevant today as it was when Matthews wrote this poem in the 1980s.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mingus At The Showplace is a beautiful poem that celebrates the power of jazz music. Matthews uses language to create a sense of rhythm and movement that echoes the music itself. He describes the people in the club as active participants in the music, not just passive listeners. And he celebrates the sense of community and joy that surrounds jazz music.

This poem is a reminder that music has the power to move us, to connect us, and to bring us joy. It's a poem that celebrates the human spirit and reminds us of the importance of art in our lives.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Mingus At The Showplace: A Masterpiece of Jazz Poetry

William Matthews’ “Mingus At The Showplace” is a classic poem that captures the essence of jazz music and the legendary bassist Charles Mingus. The poem is a tribute to Mingus and his music, and it celebrates the power and beauty of jazz as an art form. Matthews’ use of language and imagery creates a vivid and dynamic portrait of Mingus and his music, and the poem is a testament to the enduring legacy of jazz.

The poem begins with a description of the Showplace, a jazz club where Mingus is performing. Matthews’ language is rich and evocative, and he paints a picture of a vibrant and lively scene. He describes the “smoky blue” atmosphere of the club, the “red and gold” stage, and the “sweaty, shouting” crowd. The imagery is powerful and immersive, and it transports the reader to the heart of the jazz scene.

Matthews’ description of Mingus is equally vivid and compelling. He portrays Mingus as a larger-than-life figure, a “black bull” with a “shaggy head” and a “thick neck.” Mingus is a force of nature, a man who commands attention and respect. Matthews’ language is muscular and intense, and it captures the raw power of Mingus’ music.

The poem is structured around a series of musical motifs, each of which represents a different aspect of Mingus’ music. Matthews’ use of these motifs is masterful, and it creates a sense of unity and coherence throughout the poem. The first motif is the “thrumming bass,” which represents the foundation of Mingus’ music. The bass is the heartbeat of jazz, and Mingus’ virtuosity on the instrument is legendary. Matthews’ language is rhythmic and pulsing, and it captures the energy and vitality of Mingus’ bass playing.

The second motif is the “screaming horn,” which represents the improvisational and expressive nature of jazz. Mingus was known for his fiery and passionate solos, and Matthews’ language reflects this intensity. He describes the horn as “blazing” and “scorching,” and he captures the raw emotion of Mingus’ playing.

The third motif is the “crashing cymbal,” which represents the explosive and unpredictable nature of jazz. Mingus’ music was full of unexpected twists and turns, and Matthews’ language reflects this sense of unpredictability. He describes the cymbal as “shattering” and “splintering,” and he captures the sense of chaos and excitement that is at the heart of jazz.

Throughout the poem, Matthews’ language is rich and evocative, and he uses a variety of poetic techniques to create a sense of musicality and rhythm. He uses repetition, alliteration, and onomatopoeia to create a sense of movement and energy. He also uses imagery and metaphor to create a sense of depth and complexity. For example, he describes Mingus’ bass as a “black river” that flows through the music, and he compares Mingus to a “blacksmith” who hammers out the rhythms of jazz.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language to capture the essence of jazz. Jazz is a uniquely American art form, and it is characterized by its improvisational and expressive nature. Matthews’ language reflects this sense of spontaneity and creativity, and it captures the spirit of jazz in a way that few other poems have been able to do.

In conclusion, “Mingus At The Showplace” is a masterpiece of jazz poetry. It captures the essence of jazz and the legendary bassist Charles Mingus in a way that is both vivid and powerful. Matthews’ use of language and imagery creates a dynamic and immersive portrait of Mingus and his music, and the poem is a testament to the enduring legacy of jazz. If you are a fan of jazz or poetry, this poem is a must-read.

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