Set down on the thirtieth day of June, in the year two thousand and five and twenty.
Of the Meeting of Two Masters
When the voice of Rod the Stewart—hoarse, noble, and wrought with the weathering of years—did meet the merry fingers of Jools of Holland upon the keys, verily, alchemy was wrought. Their rendering of the lay Almost Like Being in Love shone as a jewel of harmony, a joining of spirits both kindred and bold.
Of the Sounding of Trumpets and the Stirring of Strings
With Holland’s noble company, the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, the song sprang forth in glory. First came a fanfare of brass, bright as heralds’ horns before a king, then settled to a gait most swinging, recalling the golden halls of jazz, yet fresh as morning dew upon the fields.
Of the Voice of Rod the Stewart
Rod, knight of song and rogue of stage, lent his voice like velvet worn smooth by years of passion. Each word he uttered was no mere recitation but a secret shared, with wink and sly grin. His tones bore the scars of time, yet draped them in charm, weaving play and longing together as one.
Of the Fingers of Jools
Meanwhile, Jools the Holland, master of mirth and melody, did let his fingers dance upon the ivory keys. With precision and with jest, he cast forth trills of blues, rivers of arpeggios, and slyly, a jesting note from another tune, as though to tease the ear of the listener.
Of the Orchestra’s Splendor
Around them, the great band did weave: trumpets bright as the morning star, saxophones sighing like lovers at dusk, the bassline walking steadfast as a pilgrim’s stride. Drums with gentle brushes, cymbals with silvery flashes, adorned the song with glamour fit for a gilded hall.
Of the Rising of Joy
The tune did swell, horns blaring, Stewart growling and laughing within his song, as though overcome by love’s delight. Holland’s piano bubbled like mirth at a feast, until all together reached a jubilant height that set hearts alight.
Of the Song’s True Meaning
This was no simple covering of an elder’s lay, but a true celebration. Rod the Stewart brought his rakish ease, Jools the Holland his shining craft, and together they made of the song a vessel of joy.
Whether thou be a steadfast lover of swing or a new traveler in its realm, to hear this piece is as though to fall headlong in love anew.
