I haven't been this touched for a while....

Thursday, July 10, 2008. (Originally written on Facebook Notes)

So I get an email informing me of a free jazz concert at a bookstore located down the street from where I live. Free jazz? At a bookstore? Ok, I'm there!

Little did I know, walking down Larchmere Rd with my roommate, that I was going to immerse myself in a new world of culture, music, old and new literature, a world of trinkets, toys, cards that speak for themselves, Feminism and Nature shelves, Leo Tolstoy and Victor Hugo, and an one-of-a-kind four-member jazz ensemble (Gene Jazz Hot) that would simply make my heart melt.

I wish the playful tone of the clarinet or the piercingly crisp song of the sax, the rhythm and thunderous plucking of the string bass, the steady and complementary melody of the guitar, and the soulful, mind-washing, engulfing vocals of beautiful Peggi Cella would never ever leave my mind. Their stories of folks (yes folks!), the cries of independence, the songs of Love -- made me fall in love for 1.5 hours. With what or who? I had no idea. I was in love. I was in love with the music, the beats and tunes that carried melodies through my ears and into my own heart and soul... I was in love with each character of the band. They were much much older than I but what struck me was that they were so.. ALIVE. They were funny, upbeat, energetic, soulful... so full of LIFE, which I don't see that frequently in this day and age.

"it don't mean a thang if it aint got that swing! du-wah-du-wah-du-wah.."

They were right in front of me, no more than three feet away. I imagined myself to be an old woman and wished with all my heart that I would be like them. They made me forget the current world. They made submerse myself into my subconscious, my imagination, my dreams... of a perfect world, carefree, happy... truly what it would feel like to be in love. Their music truly touched my SOUL.

"what good is melody? what good is music? if it aint possessing something sweet!"

The bookstore that served as the venue was another story. This used and rare bookstore situated on Larchmere with a small quaint storefront opened into this awe-inspiring, giant mahogany room with shelves and shelves of books covering every subject matter possible. Branching off from this giant room were smaller rooms, corridors, nooks where more books, toys, maps, art prints, tapestries just sat there, happily waiting to be touched by some curious customer (like myself!).

Words just can't describe my experience. I'm not too good at words.
I just have to say: I have been deeply touched. I haven't been this touched for a while. I have found my haven. Books! Music! Friendly familiar faces. What more can I ask for?

I'm going there again. And maybe again. Finally, somewhere I can destress and hide from my normal busy and modern life. I need more music, words, and art in my life. They make me happy.