Indeed, April is an exciting time of the year! Not only is it National Jazz Appreciation Month, but it is also National Poetry Month. One local Philly-born organization, ‘Spotlight On Jazz & Poetry’, fuses together both art forms in a harmonic matrimony that is as much a celebration as it is an immersive experience.
About Spotlight On Jazz & Poetry (SOJP)
Founded by Clayton “Big Trigger” Corley, Sr., ‘Spotlight On Jazz & Poetry’ (SOJP) was born out of a personal affection of the two separate art forms. “I was raised in a musical family,” Corley recalls, “and my mother -God rest her soul- was into poetry and literature.”
“Back in the 60’s, my parents ran a speakeasy. A lot of the people who would pass through our home were Jazz musicians and vocalists,” he explained, “that’s where my love for it all started. My parents exposed me to greatness.”
Being exposed to Jazz and Poetry at an early age were the initial seeds planted that would later blossom into a full appreciation of the arts. Later in life, Corley stayed connected to both art forms through online social groups and chat rooms, however, it was either a group for jazz or a group for poetry.
Spotlight On Jazz & Poetry was born to fill a void and fuse a bridge between the two. As their mantra goes, it’s “jazz as poetic inspiration.”
SOJP first premiered in April of 2006. Next, on January 20, 2008, SOJP launched its website featuring various spoken-word and jazz artists from around the world.
Specifically, the first show highlighted the music of John Coltrane and the poetry of Amiri Baraka.
What began as a radio show has evolved to include community outreach, fundraisers, educational events, and a non-profit organization focused on reducing illiteracy amongst Black people. Lastly, it has birthed a circle of artists and aficionados all with a deep love and appreciation of jazz and poetry. Overall, the goal of the program is to educate everyone, about the history and importance of Jazz and Poetry.
An Immersive Experience
Undeniably, SOJP is more than just a radio show. Corley produces each show with unmatched creative precision and a truly magical artistic ear.
Listening to an episode of SOJP is an immersive experience transcending you from reality and commonplace to a realm of surrender. Indeed, you surrender to the beauty of art. The process in which Corley fuses together particular Jazz music with the works of specific poets is not something he haphazardly joins together. In fact, even he doesn’t know where it all comes from- it just comes:
“I would hear it all in my head,” he humbly conveys, “it’s all about rhythm, melody, spacing, phrasing. I would match two artists together and put a program together and that was my format. And people loved it!”
Additionally, Corley just doesn’t feature big names. In fact, he likes to feature legendary artists as well as those he says are, “on the cusp of greatness.”
As you spend time listening to archived shows, each episode is composed of three main ingredients: the Jazz musician, the poet, and yes, Corley.
The fusion of jazz and poetry is creatively yet intensely wrapped together like a rendezvous overflowing with passion. The poetry is sprinkled throughout the segment ebbing and flowing seamlessly with the musical breaks. Corley’s buttery, smooth voice carries it all leading the listener through a whole body experience of history, music, poetry, and self.
The collision of these two art form resonates from the listeners ears, through their fingertips, and down to their toes. It is a pure celebration of jazz and poetry where the beat goes on even after the program ends.
SOJP To Celebrate It’s 15th Year Anniversary
This upcoming weekend, ‘Spotlight On Jazz & Poetry’ will hosts its annual weekend-long gala featuring an open mic, dinner, live jazz, talks, and more at The Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue. Most importantly, it will also be a grand celebration of the 15th year anniversary of ‘Spotlight On Jazz & Poetry”.
This two-night event includes “savory cuisines, wondrous words, and top-notch live performances to stimulate then soothe your entertainment needs.”
Friday April 5, 2024 will continue the legacy of the First Lady of SOJP, Victoria Corley. Guests can enjoy light fare, cocktails from the cash bar, and a live DJ. Firstly, Celebrity Hair Stylist, Zenda Walker will be speaking about the importance of the “CROWN ACT.”
Next, poet Raphael Xavier will bless the mic. Lastly, an open mic will follow for those who want to share their gifts.
Night-two of the celebration will take place Saturday April 6, 2024 and will feature a cocktail hour, open buffet, poetry, and live jazz music. The highlight of the evening however will take guests “ON AIR”, under the direction of SOJP Artistic Director, Kimpedro, as they travel into the virtual recording studio of the host/producer of Spotlight On Jazz & Poetry, Clayton “Big Trigger” Corley.
Indeed, there’s so much to celebrate.
“I’m energized,” Corley smiles, “I’m energized about working in our community, showcasing Jazz & Poetry and the history of it all. It’s a lot going on and I’m definitley going to see it through. As long as God gives me the breath, I’m gonna do what I do to leave a mark.”
You can purchase tickets to this year’s event by clicking here.
To learn more about ‘Spotlight On Jazz & Poetry” or to listen to a past episode, visit here.
Happy National Poetry & Jazz Appreciation Month!