I heard Kol Nidre on Jazz piano tonight.
Finally. It’s been a lifelong dream to
bebop through my broken promises.
Or at least as long in my life as I’ve
been aware that all our vows are suspect.
I remember the bassoon and viola of our past
adding a soundtrack to our failures. But this is
the first year it straight ahead came together.
Kol Nidre appeared in both versions of The Jazz Singer
so this was always meant to be.
Jazz is perfect for Kol Nidre – No rules
since we tend to not follow them anyway.
That’s why we need this contract, acknowledging
we have the best of intentions, but
our accidental notes are often the strongest ones.
The best of jazz is improvised. Never the same.
As we say Kol Nidre three times tonight
may each one land differently.
May it haunt us throughout the year
so we’ll need it less next time.
It never works out that way.
All our vows, subject to our human limits.
Always one walking bass line away
from asking forgiveness.
We know what we’ve done.
This clean slate is a gift.
We don’t deserve it.