Born in 1962 in Philadelphia, Grant moved to Denver, CO, as a young child. … Read Full Bio ↴Born in 1962 in Philadelphia, Grant moved to Denver, CO, as a young child. Starting piano lessons before his teens, Grant was enough of a prodigy that he joined the Boulder, CO-based Pearl Street Jazz Band, a young but internationally renowned traditional New Orleans-style combo, at the impossibly tender age of 15, touring worldwide with the group for two years. Grant won a scholarship to the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, at the age of 17; while at Eastman (where his classmates included future novelist Nicholson Baker), Grant focused on performance studies over theory, which he covered in his graduate studies in jazz theory and composition at the University of Miami.

Relocating to New York in the mid-'80s, Grant skirted past the then-dominant M-Base clique in the local jazz scene, instead taking a series of low-profile sideman gigs. After a long stint with Betty Carter, Grant worked with luminaries like Chico Freeman and Greg Osby before finally stepping out as a bandleader for the first time. 1994's Black Art was well-reviewed and sold respectably, and the following year's The New Bop was an even bigger critical success. 1997's Twilight Stories was released on Joel Dorn's 32 Jazz label; Grant's appearance on that label, devoted primarily to classic reissues, cemented the esteem in which bop devotees hold him. The lengthy short story written by Grant in the liner notes of 1999's Smokin' Java, his first published piece of prose, is a thinly veiled autobiography about the cross-country move of a jazz pianist from New York to Portland, OR, and his eventual addiction to coffee as a result of the brew's cultural dominance in the Pacific Northwest. The lighthearted, twisty compositions reflect the bright, tongue-in-cheek tone of the short story, for which the album functions as a suitably caffeinated soundtrack.

Grant had moved to Portland in 1997 to accept a teaching post at the University of Oregon. Besides his duties as an educator, scholar, and bandleader, Grant also plays piano in drummer Tony Williams' quintet and appears on numerous albums as a sideman.

My Old Flame
Darrell Grant Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

My old flame, I can't even think of his name but it's funny now and then
How my thoughts go flashing back again to my old flame
My old flame, my new lovers all seem so tame
For I haven't met a gent so magnificent or elegant as my old flame

I've met so many who had fascinating ways
A fascinating gaze in their eyes, some who took me up to the skies
But their attempts at love were only imitations of my old flame

I can't even think of his name but I'll never be the same
Until I discover what became of my old flame

I've met so many who had fascinating ways
A fascinating gaze in their eyes, some who took me up to the skies
But their attempts at love were only imitations of my old flame

I can't even think of his name but I'll never be the same
Until I discover what became of my old flame

Overall Meaning

In Darrell Grant's song "My Old Flame," the lyrics describe the lingering thoughts and memories of a past love. The singer cannot even remember the name of "my old flame," yet cannot help but think about him from time to time. The contrast between "my old flame" and "my new lovers" is highlighted, with the latter being described as "so tame" in comparison to the enthusiasm and elegance of the former. The singer has met many people with "fascinating ways" and took them to the skies, but they were all just imitations of "my old flame."

The singer's longing for their past love is palpable throughout the song. They are almost paralyzed by the memory, as they cannot even remember their name. This reflects the power the "old flame" still holds over them. The singer acknowledges that until they discover what became of their old flame, they will never be the same.

The song captures the complex emotions that come with the end of a relationship that was once cherished. The lyrics suggest that while the singer has moved on with their life, they still long for the passion and excitement that was present with their old flame.

Line by Line Meaning

My old flame, I can't even think of his name but it's funny now and then
I can't remember the name of my former lover, but sometimes it amuses me to try and recall.

How my thoughts go flashing back again to my old flame
I often find myself daydreaming of the past and reminiscing about my former partner.

My old flame, my new lovers all seem so tame
None of my current romantic interests can compare to the passion and excitement I had with my old flame.

For I haven't met a gent so magnificent or elegant as my old flame
My ex-partner was a truly remarkable and classy person, and I haven't found anyone else who measures up to their standards yet.

I've met so many who had fascinating ways
Over time, I have encountered many interesting and unique individuals in my life.

A fascinating gaze in their eyes, some who took me up to the skies
Some of these people had an intense and captivating gaze, and they were able to make me feel elated and overjoyed while in their company.

But their attempts at love were only imitations of my old flame
Despite all of their admirable qualities, none of my other partners were able to replicate the deep connection and affection I felt with my former lover.

I can't even think of his name but I'll never be the same
Although I cannot recall my ex-partner's name, they had such a profound impact on me that I will never be the same person again.

Until I discover what became of my old flame
I am still eager to know what happened to my former lover and where they are now.

Contributed by Gianna S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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