In his office chair at The Flying Ivories in New York sat Brancer. He was currently enjoying a nice mimosa talking over a few things with Joan, his head waitress of the place. Joan had been expressing her displeasure with some of the local acts that had been playing lately.  “You know B, I am getting tired of some of these crooner’s you’ve had at the place lately. Trust me the rest of the girls feel the same.” She said as she poured herself a mimosa from the pitcher she had brought in and placed on the desk before them. Brancer smiled slightly as she did. It was odd to see her drink unless it was late in her shift. He pulled out a cigarette and got up to head to a record player off to the side. He lit the smoke and put the needle to record.

As a wonderful trumpet intro to “Blue Turning Grey Over You” began to play, Brancer walked back over to his desk with a grin. “You’re not wrong there Joan. I’ve wanted to get a better crop of musicians in the door for awhile, and I’ve had quite a few ideas.” As Satchmo began to sing on the track Brancer gave a nod of his head to the record player and picked up his flute of the alcoholics breakfast. Joan’s eyes grew big as a huge smile hit her face with the realization.

 “You don’t mean?”

“Yeah he’s going to be taking up residence for a month or so to get things started off.”

Joan shook her head and finished off her mimosa. The news had obviously changed her demeanor quite a bit. “I’m excited to hear Louis Armstrong back in New York. I used to work at the Cotton Club when he had residence there. That is just for now though what’s up next from there, B?... I mean don’t get me wrong that’s amazing news.”

Brancer laughed and took another drag from his smoke. He saw Joan reach for the pitcher of the orange concoction, but he beat her to it and began to refill her flute.  It must have felt funny having him serving her for the first time.  At least that is what the look on her face had said to him and he just smirked. “You are asking the right question there. I have this idea I’ve been mulling over the last few days as I’ve watched the talent here as well as my recent trip to Philly. I want to have an open audition for new musicians. You see…” Brancer trailed off as he put out his cigarette and sat back in his chair obviously in thought. “I love the gambling, but what sets The Flying Ivories apart from other places is the atmosphere it brings with it. To me music is what really sets the perfect mood. It will get more people in the door if they know a great act is going to be playing. I’ll never settle for mediocre bands in the club again.”

He looked over at her and shrugged as he reached for his glass and took a drink before continuing on about the matter. “We have the perfect setup to start putting up some new acts. We let them start off opening for Satchmo while he is in town this month. Everyone will be coming in to see him make his return to New York. Thing is I need to find some new talent to fill those spots. We have a few weeks till he will be showing up then. In the meantime I’ve taken the liberty to having articles published in newspapers across the major cities for an open audition.” He opened up a drawer to his desk as he took another drink finishing off his glass and setting it down on the table. His hand rose up to wave off Joan who was instinctively about to refill the glass. He retrieved from the drawer a copy of today’s time’s and opened it up to the inside page. He folded the paper over and handed it to Joan showing her the large ad.

Seeking Speakeasy Songbirds

There are open auditions for residency at multiple prominent clubs for all upcoming singers and musicians being held one week from today.

Where: Bensonhurst Music Hall

When: 5:00 PM

All entrants will be given an opportunity to show what they have on stage. There are multiple spots available.

When she finished looking over the ad she nodded and took a drink from her glass again. It was obvious she was mulling over what would come of this and if she would approve. Joan had been around the club scenes for a long time. "I want to be there if at all possible though, B."

"Of course, you know I value your opinion in this matter." Brancer said as he poured another glass for himself and sat back in the chair thinking. "I can't wait to see what kind of talent shows up next week..." 

Brancer and Joan had shown up early to the Music Hall and had everything set up with Brancer's bodyguards acting as ushers to those that had shown up to watch and audition alike. The place was filling up quickly, and Brancer was anxious to see what kind of turnout would show and it was obvious by the pacing he had taken to before finally finding his seat up front. It was exciting to think that maybe they would be listening to what could be some of the next big stars of their time. Joan just laughed and sat next to him. She had the foresight to bring a notepad thankfully. 

As the lights dimmed and the stage lights came on out walked a man in a black tuxedo the host of the evening. After giving everyone their formal welcome and obligatory good luck to all those auditioning here today he began to welcome to the stage their first muscian of the night....

Terra had seen the Times ad and knew immediately that she would be auditioning. Her occasional gigs throughout Philadelphia were keeping her busy enough, but, truth be told, singing inside the Bensonhurst had been something she'd wanted to do for a while now. Two birds, one stone.

For a week straight, she'd belted out 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' inside her apartment; it was on all the radio stations nowadays, thanks to the popularity of the movie 'The Wizard of Oz'. It wasn't the type of song she herself enjoyed singing, but it would showcase her range, and people seemed to love it.

Choosing a red dress that was similar in shade to Dorothy's ruby red slippers, Terra took a cab from her hotel and was soon finding herself escorted inside the building by an usher, who checked her name off a clipboard in his hand and passed her off to another young man, who brought her to the back of the stage. She could hear the murmurs of the growing crowd just beyond, and she couldn't help but smile. 

The announcer approached the microphone and introduced her as the lights dimmed down a bit.

"Miss Terra Gato, from Philadelphia," he said, gesturing towards her politely as she took the stage. 

It wasn't so bright that she couldn't see the crowd...in fact, she could see the first few rows perfectly. Terra scanned them briefly, looking for whoever it was that she was auditioning for, and...yes, there it was. She could see a notebook positioned in front of a woman, who was leaning towards a well-dressed man next to her. Likely, he was the one hiring, and the lady was his assistant. One long look at Joan, however, and Terra threw the planned song out the window. Quietly clearing her throat, she began:

Now I'm flyin' high, but I've got a feelin' I'm fallin'
Fallin' for nobody else but you
Mama, you caught my eye and I've got a feelin' I'm fallin'
Show me the ring and I'll jump right through

I used to travel single-o; we chanced to mingle-o
Now I'm a-tingle over you
Hey, Mister Parson, stand by, but I've got a feelin' I'm fallin'
Fallin' for nobody else but you

There was another two verses to the song, but it was pointless to sing them, really, since they were simple repetitions. Feeling like she'd accomplished what she'd come here for, she quirked a flirty smile at Joan and stepped off the stage after a quick "thank you".

When Ms. Gato stepped onto the stage Brancer had to give her credit for her red dress. She knew how to stand out in a room that and wasn’t afraid to do so. That was definitely a good sign. The way she was relaxed in taking the stage was also a nice start. As her eyes scanned the room eventually falling on Brancer? No, not quite he thought as he glanced over to Joan. “She was definitely staring at Joan not him,” he thought to himself. Then a soft throat clear started off the evening of auditions and it was a wonder start to be had.

Terra Gato’s rendition of I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling was truly beautiful to be heard. She took her time and all Brancer could think about was how he would like to hear something with more range from her. She definitely had the pipes though that much was clear. What impressed Brancer more was her stage presence. It was as if she was singing to the entirety of the venue. Except she really wasn’t. It was obvious with the looks she was giving to Joan who seemed to have caught the eye of the sultry singer in red up on stage. 

It was a nice touch that she left the song where she did. It showed confidence in her abilities and she had the ability to back the bravado it seemed. The crowd gave her, her due applause after her thank you, and Brancer leaned toward Joan as he caught Terra’s smile to Joan.

“Hey there Mr. Parson, your face is a bit blushed.” Brancer said with a chuckle leaning over towards Joan who in turn stabbed him with her pen in the side.  “Hey!” He said then looked around remembering to keep his voice down. “All I’m saying is don’t just write her name down because of those looks.” Joan looked at him quizzically with a tilt of her head. Her face turning into what was bitter look he had seen from her at The Flying Ivories when she was about to question him.

“But she was...”

“Write her name down because she was exactly what we are looking for, Joan. If anything I think she deserves a chance at getting a few nights in Philadelphia. She is in the mix for sure. Wouldn’t have minded hearing more, but I like where she left it. If that is our start I look forward to what is to come next.” Brancer said giving Joan a wink. 

Joan’s demeanor switched back to a smile from the scowl she was starting to fall into when she thought Brancer wasn’t going to approve. “Good B, I was going to let her in when you was out of town if not… Based on merit alone of course.” She said as her cheeks went red again and she started writing down on the pad again ignoring Brancer’s laugh. "Starting a novel there?" He said, but Joan had taken to ignoring him until the next act was going to be on stage it seemed. 

The host of the evening came back out to grab the microphone and address the crowd once more. “How about that ladies and gentlemen, Ms. Terra Gato! That Mr. Parson sure sounds like a lucky man!” He then tried to do a few jokes much to Brancer’s displeasure. It would have been different if they weren't tired and old. Plus he wasn't looking for any comedians right now. "This guy must think he is auditioning as well." Brancer whispered over to Joan. He must of caught sight of the look he was being given because he quickly went on to introduce the next act.

“Coming to the stage next….”

"...Michael Monk from Chicago!"

He exuded confidence with every step. Not the kind you'd find in a performer. In someone who played to the crowd. For the attention, or whatever other holes in their personality they tried to fill by stuffing their neediness. He simply oozed calm, self-enjoyment. His slow casual strides toward the piano were accompanied by a large smile. His teeth, white as a silk ribbon. And against his dark complexion you really noticed how much he smiled.

Monk was so at ease he almost forgot to approach the front of the stage, having to turn and swagger forward as he neared his instrument of choice, the piano. He removed his hat and dipped his head to the audience before him. If he was nervous, he didn't show it. And his quirky movements of not knowing where to go at first brought forth a chuckle from those watching in the darkened seating area.

Underneath his cool facade was a man of opportunity. A once gospel pianist. Playing for choirs and church goers at St. Michael's in Chicago. An off beat spiritual hub that had more to it than just music. It had so much soul, he just couldn't help but be carried away in each of his sessions behind the church organ. He felt lifted everytime his fingers got to boppin' around the keys, and so too did those in attendance.

Mr. Monk approached his seat, under an overhead light at the venue supplied piano. This was it. His chance to break out. To bring his own style, improvisational jazz to the masses. The ad in the Chicago Tribune was his ticket. The very door to his musical future. If he were to come alive and truly play his music for an audience, and maybe one day be seen alongside some of the greats, it would hopefully all start here.

He took his place as the crowd hushed. And without another second to waste his hands were moving. His strokes were purposeful. His fingers playing more than just notes. They jived and bopped around producing what might otherwise not be played by a technically sound player, and toyed with tones others might not dare. It were as if each time he lifted his fingers and let them loose, the melody was always different. His timing impeccable, but what came from the keys was his own flavour. His own style. His very own soul.

And it worked. The way he played was lively. Quick. With thunderous strokes. His wrists and fingers not of the usual artist's way. Stiff and flat. But it worked. Years just playing to his own inner rhythm had shaped his own musical genius. The type that couldn't be imitated. And as he continued to put himself into the melody, his sense of personal style was also on show.

A large ring on his pinky finger, to go with a black pair of shades and fedora. A red ruby adorned the middle of the piece of jewellery. Maybe the weight of it helped him with his mastery, as he punched the keys with force, including his pinky, which allowed him to use all tools at his disposal. Like plucking from an infinite variety of combinations.

The piece he played wasn't of any other artist. Although he enjoyed many. He just let loose and played what came through him as it wanted to. It was jazz, with an uplifting bop, but improvized. A piece that would never be played the same again. And when it felt like all had been said, he finished just as he started, without dragging anything on. He simply stood up and turned to the crowd, giving a broad smile and a wave. He felt good. Like his life at that very moment was complete. Nothing more to say, or to share. And after pointing to Francis who was in the crowd standing and clapping, he made his exit to the right of the stage.

With Nervous anticipation, Joy heads out onto the stage.  She had flown in for this audition on a whim, and she didn't give herself a chance to back out.  She barely hears her name being called due to the pounding of her heart.  She wasn't sure what they were looking for, but Joy was the type to give it her all.

Once she is front of the crowd, she forgets everything.  This is where she belongs, her hidden talent so it were.  This is what she loved to do. 

Joy's make up is flawless, if a bit heavier due to the stage lights.  She has on several coats of mascara and some eyeliner as well to magnify her big blue eyes.  She has taken to letting her golden brunette hair fall loosely around her shoulders.  Her dress is a deep shade of purple and her heels have been dyed to match.  Her voice doesn't crack at all as she addresses the audience in a soft voice.

The song that I would like to perform for you is by Benny Goodman and it is called, Blue Moon.

Joy smiles and gives a little curtsey and begins.

Blue moon, you saw me standin' alone
Without a dream in my heart, without a love of my own
Blue moon, you knew just what I was there for
You heard me sayin' a prayer for
Someone I really could care for

She closes her eyes briefly as the music begins to play.  She dredges up every bit of emotion from the depths of her soul and she continues to sing. 

And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will hold
I heard somebody whisper "please adore me"
And when I looked, the moon had turned to gold

Blue moon, now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own

The young woman doesn't even notice the crowd's reaction as she belts out the words effortlessly.  A few gasps can be heard as she continues on, but Joy is in another dimension.  Her lips may be singing the words, but they are  truly coming from her heart.

As she is about to sing the last of it, she begins to  really see the crowd and their favorable reaction.  She smiles sweetly, typical of Joy and breathes out the last  three verses.

And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will ever hold
I heard somebody whisper "please adore me"
And when I looked, the moon had turned to gold

Blue moon, now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own

Blue moon, now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own

Once again she curtsies politely and exits the stage.  As nerves finally hit her, she looks around for the bar so she can get a drink.

The placid bravado that Michael Monk exuded as he took the stage was to mean one of two things in Brancer’s opinion. Either this would turn out spectacular, or it would be the same mediocre performance he has seen in his clubs countless nights. Mr. Monk’s treatment of the stage had peaked Brancer’s interests regardless. Once the pianist made his way to his stand by instrument, Brancer looked over to Joan with a smirk that she returned.

Brancer pulled out his flask just as the first notes sprang to life and cut the silence of Michael’s waiting audience. He took a drink as he watched the artist work away at the keys. The way he was obviously improvising and flowing in and out of a very unique style was something that shocked Brancer. He took another drink as the man continued on with his masterful performance. Brancer found himself lost in the music and the whiskey in his flask. It was a combination that he never would tire of that is for sure. As the crowd erupted in cheers once more tonight, Brancer looked over to Joan and smiled shaking his head.

“Joan, I take it you obviously vetted this people? That was amazing. A real talent that Michael Monk is, it would be such a shame if something were to happen to him before he is able to reach his full potential. I know I could listen to anyone willing to improvise like that any night. Never want the room going stale.”

Joan had rolled her eyes at the vetted comment. “I wish I had vetted them. I would have if you knew to give a person a little heads up on things. I could have helped with this you know. We are just having amazing luck. Imagine that. You. Luck. Hmm. I’ll write him down as well.” She had tried to hide her impish grin as she wrote down ‘Monk’. Brancer was interrupted from giving her shit in return by the increasingly annoying host of the evening. The man was now telling a story about how his kid had lost his first tooth.

Brancer took a large swig as the ‘aspiring’ comedian drenched the crowd in set up after set up without ever obliging them the punch they deserved. The man was bombing and you could see a sweat form on his brow. The crowd had long since removed their vocal chords and the place was really starting to feel uncomfortable. Brancer couldn’t help it and just started laughing loudly. He may had been the only one for a moment but a few others were happy to release the pressure. Oh the tension of room like this was something else. Brancer felt for the poor singer that would have to follow as the man squeaked out ‘Joy.’

Perhaps another performer would have been shook by the ice water the man had just thrown across the crowd. It seemed that Joy wasn’t shook at all once she took to the stage though. The woman obviously was confident in what was soon to follow. Brancer was familiar with “Blue Moon,” and he was looking forward to hearing another rendition of the beautiful song. He took another drink from the flask not wanting the small buzz he was able to garner slip away from him just yet. Then Joy began to take control of the room.

Just as the rest of the crowd had, Brancer perked up to the attention that the vocal delight had demanded. The change from the polite curtsey to this intimate view of her emotions being belted out to the crowd was quite the shock. She had taken the song and made the words more impactful than the last time Brancer had heard them.  He laughed when he saw Joy give a smile before letting the last three verses out for the masses. It was fun to see the moment that a performer realizes they are killing.

Just as she began her performance it was put to rest with a curtsy and off went Joy. As Brancer turned to Joan she shook her head. “No, I did not vet the musicians. Stop asking.” She said with a wink as she pointed with her pen to the pad where she had written down Joy. “You don’t get a choice in that one either.”

“Well then, glad we are on the same page.” Brancer said as he gave her a playful scowl. His mind was already racing with ideas for the crop of musicians that had shown up to audition. “I can’t wait to see some full performances.” He said as he took another drink and put the flask away finally.  He looked up to see the look on the poor hosts face. Brancer wasn’t even aware that he had began speaking again, but the look of terror in that man’s eyes as they darted around the room caused Brancer to have to stifle laughing once more.

ShoNuff was sitting having a few drinks listening to the talent Brancer was bringing forth. Feeling good and knowing he can't sing for shit he still got up and took the stage. 

I think I can hit a note or two so let me try. cough, cough clears his throat. 

This is called " Because I got high."

I was gonna clean my room until I got high
I was gonna get up and find the broom but then I got high
My room is still messed up and I know why
'Cause I got high

I was gonna go to class before I got high
I coulda cheated and I coulda passed but I got high
I am taking it next semester and I know why
'Cause I got high
Because I got high

I was gonna go to work but then I got high
I just got a new promotion but I got high
Now I'm selling dope and I know why
'Cause I got high

I was gonna go to court before I got high
I was gonna pay my child support but then I got high
They took my whole paycheck and I know why
'Cause I got high

I wasn't gonna run from the cops but I was high
I was gonna pull right over and stop but I was high
Now I am a paraplegic, and I know why, 'cause I got high
Because I got high
Because I got high

I was gonna pay my car note until I got high
I wasn't gonna gamble on the boat but then I got high
Now the tow truck is pulling away and I know why
'Cause I got high
Because I got high

I messed up my entire life because I got high

I lost my kids and wife because I got high
Now I'm sleeping on the sidewalk and I know why
'Cause I got high
Because I got high

I'm gonna stop singing this song because I'm high
I'm singing this whole thing wrong because I'm high
And if I don't sell one copy I know why
'Cause I'm high
Because I'm high
Because I'm high

ShoNuff turns to the right side of the stage and takes a bow, turns to the left side of the stage and takes a bow, turn to the center and takes a bow, then leaves the stage.

RalphValentino pop's his head up from his drink on his table and says that my song and I know that voice. He look and see Sho_Nuff leaving the stage and meets him, I love that song and pull what looks like 5 little white paper things got time to hit theses in the alley I need kill some time waiting on my friend Tishy