The Bee Movie is the 2007 Jerry Seinfeld hit animated film. The albeit far fetched plot includes the romance between a bee and a human woman. Yes, really. Unsurprisingly, this movie has gone on to become a huge part of meme culture, with particular focus on one line that Seinfeld’s character, Barry, delivers in an oh-so-deliciously suave tone. You like jazz?
Why yes, Mr Jerry Seinfeld, I do. Now, I’m a twenty something living in the 21st century. I grew up in an ever changing technologically focused world. I started out with VHS tapes but soon saw the rise of the DVD, Blu-Ray and then watched as we all dumped those disks for high speed internet and touchscreens. It feels like I should be embedded in my era, lost in the Metaverse listening to deep house. But there’s just something about jazz that captures my imagination.
I don’t want shiny touchscreens or matte black devices. I want to wear a beautiful white linen shirt tucked into my high waisted slacks. I want to be out on the town, where the jazz bar is just smokey enough to be sexy. The pianist draws in all the lonely souls and we mull around the leather and velvet clad lounge, soaking in the fabulous talent. I want to slow down a little, sip my whiskey and just sink into the sound.
That’s what jazz does to me. It’s just music, but it sets my dreams ablaze. It transports me, effortlessly, into a gold and burgundy world. I can’t quite explain it to you, but it’s an excellent feeling. I recently had the privilege of listening to lots of live jazz while working at a summer camp. Sweating and tired, I would drag my 10 year olds to the performance . I would crash into the wooden pews, shushing children. As soon as the saxophone began, though, that all melted away. It was just me and the music.
If you want to taste a little of what I’m talking about, here is a Jazz Bar playlist. If you can, though, do yourself a favour and try to attend live jazz. Dress up, let your dreams run wild. Better yet, bring someone you love. All you need is one question. You like jazz?