Southern Cross Adventurous Activities Scout Fellowship

Domain Jazz

Christmas comes but once a year,

          And much fun can be had.

But once old Santa Claus has gone,

          It’s time for Domain Jazz.

Pack the blankets, prep the food,

          And don’t forget the wine.

Trot on down to stake your claim,

          And have a jazzy time.

Get there early, don’t forget,

          The quick ones get their choice.

Of all the best spots in the park,

          To elevate their voice.

I hope we hear some vintage jazz,

          What’s your favourite kind?

Dixie, Bebop, Funk or Cool,

          Ragtime, Swing or Stride?

Well, let’s get right down to it folks,

          The fare was disappointing,

There was only one band, in my view,

          Were worthy of anointing.

Indeed, they were the first band out,

          By golly, what the heck,

You’ve got to love a Dixie Band,

          That tributes Beiderbecke.

There were Band Leaders there that night,

          But none were ‘Dukes’ or ‘Counts’.

If modern leaders picked these two,

          They’d quickly be renounced.

Please spare me all this ‘new-age’ stuff,

          “Begin the Beguine.”

“I want to be in that number,

          When the saints go marching in.”

But sure, this is just one fan’s view,

          Perhaps I’ve been too rough.

To play the sax like Coleman Hawkins,

          Shouldn’t be too tough.

Or the Vibraphone of Lionel Hampton,

          Or the Clarinet of Goodman.

The Soprano Sax of Sid Bechet,

Or the sweet Cornet of Bolden.

Most people want to hear the jazz,

That they think stands the test.

‘Fats’ Waller, he “Ain’t Misbehavin”,

          And the great ‘Satchmo’ knew best.

If they could sing like Sarah Vaughn,

          Then, perhaps they’d stop me napping.

“Rock of Ages, Sing to me”,

          Would get my fingers snapping.

The Double Bass of Charlie Mingus,

          Gene Kruper on the Drums.

It seems that I am rambling now,

          Have I forgotten anyone?

‘Jelly Roll’ Morton on Stride Piano,

          Miles Davis, ‘Kind of Blue’.

Remember, what I said before,

          You may not share my view.

And what about the local boys?

          I say with eyebrows furrowed.

You must know Bob and Len Barnard,

          George Golla and Don Burrows.

The list goes on and on of all these legends;

          Some homegrown.

If Domain Jazz picks up their act,

          I’ll have no need to moan.

But on a slightly lighter note,

          The company was great.

There’s nothing like a picnic day,

          To share with special mates.

So, if you’re not as harsh as I,

          And love a nice night out.

Get on down to Domain Jazz,

          And find me for a shout.

                                      Alan Ellis