Alphabet Jazz Now Available! Includes Free 14 Original Metsa Tracks

Alphabet Jazz is a collection of poetry, prose, stories, and songs that Metsa wrote between 1984 and 2022. Metsa describes it as “a personal diary of sorts- midnight blasts of inspiration, love letters in poem, personal tributes to musicians and friends who have passed on, true stories, letters to the editor and friends, and songs I have written along the way that I still perform.”

The book includes a free digital download of 14 original Metsa songs, both studio and live performances. His two talented rescue dogs Blackie (RIP) and Blue both contribute pieces as well.

As Metsa grew up on the Iron Range and was influenced by fellow Iron Ranger Bob Dylan, there are several pieces about Dylan including a sweet tribute to Larry Kegan, a life long friend of Dylan’s and a great friend to Metsa as well. There are several tributes to legendary Minnesota music makers like Willie Murphy, Wee Willie Walker, Bill HInkley, Jeanne Peterson, Monty Lee Wilkes and more. Metsa describes Alphabet Jazz as “overall a valentine to the city of Minneapolis, where over the course of 40 years found inspiration and friendship in every corner of town.”

Twin Cities folks can also purchase the book and companion CD at the Electric Fetus.

Minnesota music legend Paul Metsa celebrates his new book Alphabet Jazz
By William Lien, WDIO | 11/28/22

A Review From Rick Shefchik:

If a book could sing, or a song could be a book, it would be Paul Metsa’s “Alphabet Jazz.” No one but a lifelong musician could have created such a lyrical, enveloping reading experience. “Alphabet Jazz” bounces from prose to poetry to song lyrics like the notes of a symphony or a tenor sax solo on the staff of some crazy, emotional sheet music.

There are well-earned traces of cynicism and disillusionment in the voice of this Iron Range-born showbiz lifer, yet the overall tone is relentlessly life-affirming and optimistic. Metsa has a heart as big as an open-pit mine, and if you can read his tales about the dogs in his life without a tear coming to your eye, you’re made of harder stuff than iron ore.

Those who know him are proud to call him their friend, but even his best friends will marvel at the depths of observation and wordplay that jump from every page. Some of the poetry approaches the swirling, head-snapping stream-of-consciousness brilliance of Bob Dylan, the bard of Hibbing. Virginia native Metsa comes from one town over, both geographically and metaphorically. Get this book and prepare to be entertained and moved.

Live from The Heart Songwriters/Storytellers: Paul Metsa

Legendary musician and songwriter Paul Metsa performs songs and talks about his new book “Alphabet Jazz” during this installment of “Live from The Heart: Songwriters/Storytellers” live stream series only on the Sacred Heart Music Center YouTube channel.

Streamed live on Nov 29, 2022 | Sacred Heart Music Center

Preview the Songs

Alphabet Jazz includes free digital download of 14 original Metsa songs, both studio and live performances.