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A Riff of Love: Notes on Community and Belonging
Surprising teachers. Tragic losses. Unexpected gifts. Every neighborhood has stories, and ways of singing the stories of their place. Start digging in, and you find all sorts of music. In a neighborhood skilled in improvisation, like Enderly Park, you also discover new ways to sing those songs, and a choir of new kinfolk to sing them with.
Since 2005, author and saxophonist Greg Jarrell has been learning the songs of Enderly Park, his Charlotte neighborhood. A Riff of Love explores the riffs and melodies that comprise the life of the neighborhood and of QC Family Tree, the hospitality house where he lives. Though neighbors there face significant economic and political barriers, they still thrive. Funny, heartbreaking, and challenging in equal measure, these stories and essays about life in Enderly Park will surely inspire new improvisations towards community and neighbor-love for everyone who reads them.
Since 2005, author and saxophonist Greg Jarrell has been learning the songs of Enderly Park, his Charlotte neighborhood. A Riff of Love explores the riffs and melodies that comprise the life of the neighborhood and of QC Family Tree, the hospitality house where he lives. Though neighbors there face significant economic and political barriers, they still thrive. Funny, heartbreaking, and challenging in equal measure, these stories and essays about life in Enderly Park will surely inspire new improvisations towards community and neighbor-love for everyone who reads them.
166 pages, Paperback
Published October 12, 2018
2 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Greg Jarrell
3 books8 followersGreg Jarrell is an author and musician based in Charlotte, NC. He studies and writes about race, place, and faith, with a particular focus on Urban Renewal. Greg works as a cultural organizer in Charlotte with QC Family Tree.
Greg is author of Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods, published by Fortress Press (February 2024). For updates on Greg's speaking and jazz performance schedule, see gregjarrell.com.
Greg is author of Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods, published by Fortress Press (February 2024). For updates on Greg's speaking and jazz performance schedule, see gregjarrell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 4, 2018
Greg Jarrell is a musician, community activist, and a soulful writer. After reading this book I immediately wanted to move into his neighborhood. He tackles large and complex systematic issues by using well-crafted stories of what it means when we let our neighbors and neighborhoods change us. I highly recommend this to everyone, especially those who might want to move into places in order to "save" them. Jarrell shows us how complicated, terrible, and ultimately beautiful kingdom work is in action.
November 17, 2018
Beautifully written, Jarrell’s use of improvisational jazz as allegory for life among neighbors in a disinherited neighborhood is both moving and stunning. His care-full use of language to share his experiences of neighborliness and connection draws the reader in and illuminates our longing to be better followers of the way of love. I will return to this book over and over when I need reminded about why I choose the difficult journey of excavating my own soul in order to continue to turn from my distorted view of my neighbors. Grateful for the gift of this book to the world.
December 31, 2018
I've long thought that busyness is physically, mentally, and spiritually damaging, though you would not know it by my life. I just read Greg Jarrell's new book, A Riff of Love: Notes on Community and Belonging, and it caused me to reflect again on what I - and perhaps others - miss in the epidemic of FOMO (fear of missing out) that rages through relatively affluent communities across the country. Greg describes a commitment to neighborliness that luxuriates in time and is boundless in grace. I ponder that this intimate commitment of care and concern for others that Greg fosters in Charlotte, North Carolina's Enderly Park is lost in our more affluent homes and neighborhoods. It's challenging to consider how to build bridges across foundation cracks that have yawned over decades: differences in the capacity to sustain life or to thrive, across race, culture, and creed. Tommy Tomlinson, in his review of Greg's book, talks about the threads of jazz music and Jesus that are woven throughout the narrative as the educated, white Greg explores his place in the poor, predominantly African-American Enderly Park. Jazz may be the answer - rooted in discipline but its fullness found in creativity - as we seek to become beloved community. This is a challenging book but worth the effort. I am reading it for the third time now and have given away dozens of copies
January 1, 2019
This is a beautifully challenging book. Greg Jarrell writes lyrically, stirring the heart, mind, and soul as he shares stories from the neighborhood and neighbors he dearly loves. A book about jazz, compassion, lived faith, and confronting racial inequalities (and the discomfort that rightly brings to us in a position of privilege), this book has me thinking in new ways about sustainable community/ies. I’m grateful to end this year with one of the best and most inspiring books I’ve ever read.
August 20, 2019
A Riff of Love: Notes on Community and Belonging
by Greg Jarrell--A Reflection.
Matthew 20:1-16 English Standard Version (ESV)
Laborers in the Vineyard
20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius[a] a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’[b] 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.”
---------------------------------------------------------
Jarrell's book is a story about living in community in a changing neighborhood in Charlotte, South Carolina. It is a book that for me was difficult and I cried as page by page, it describes his neighborhood of Enderly Park, a neighborhood of black people seeking to make ends meet. Jarrell, presents stories of death and life, and of a neighborhood that is being gentrified, in other words the poor blacks are being pushed out by the rich whites. He also describes how the Civil Rights Movement brought certain freedoms, and yet at the same time, the white power holders, codified the law where Blacks remain segregated.
Same old story as from the first day slaves were brought into this country, just a different name. Same old story as we read through out the Bible.
The book calls us to convert, to turn around and face the reality of the pain that is being caused, and in which many of us participate unwittingly, and walk with our neighbors as peers, as equals, and like the workers are treated in our Gospel.
For me I see Polk Street and the Haight. When I first came Polk was an edgy queer street, gay bars, hustling and drugs. There was a mixture of people. Rent was inexpensive. Through the years Polk has slowly, changed, to a street of wealth, privilege. It is called "Middle Polk Blvd." rather than Polk Gulch. Several years ago a group wanted to paint a mural honoring the queer community and those who were sex workers, for which Polk was known, and that in many ways was an expression of the Gay Liberation Movement, and they were told "no". A portion of queer history is lost. Polk played a key role in the queer liberation movement. It was the queer street before the Castro. All of that is lost. This past must be forgotten, it might threatened the economic rise of the area. One organization's aim is to see that Polk is profitable, and the poor, the disenfranchised are pushed out. Only those who have money are welcome.
Haight Street is similar. It is now a "tourist mecca" celebrating the 60's in artistic ways, especially in ways to make money, rents are sky high. The old shops are gone. Street youth are harassed. Little assistance is offered.
Through the years in my ministry I have tried to live as close to the people I serve, and I do. I am living more simply than ever before, most of my finances goes to providing for their needs, and I have been where they are in sex work and poverty. But there is still a difference, I am privileged: the best health care, support from friends, a nice place to live, and freedom to go where I want. Today I received two pairs of glasses--one for everyday use, specially equipped for driving at night, and another pair for computer use and reading. Privileged I am, and their are times I feel guilty, but am learning to use that privilege to help others have the same privileges as I do. Most importantly I am "white", and educated. I can move where I want and the police and people want label me or be nervous when I am around. Racism is alive and well in San Francisco, we just choose to ignore it. I have friends in Marin who are Mexican, and the racism with which they are treated is really difficult to watch, because it is under the surface. Never directly, but it is there.
Jarrell has stopped having youth groups, and individuals volunteer, because in coming, they bring their privileged, and see the poor as separate, and than leave 'feeling good". There is no connection--but a separation into the privileged and under privileged.
We watched a group of young people on Polk recently trying to "preach Jesus and save souls," and one person they spent time with was an elderly, alcoholic, who is homeless, and after the group left he said to me: "They think they are fu..king better than us, and I accepted Jesus and took their twenty dollars." The youth went home feeling good, they saved a soul.
One of Jarrell's suggestions is that we truly walk with people, that we seek conversion, "to turn around", and change the systems that destroy neighborhoods. The Fillmore is a good example, it was once a scene of music, fine foods, but when the City moved into to change, the blacks were moved out. It is now truly a place for people with money.
We can blame President Trump all we choose, but the truth is that this is within us. He may have made it easier for people to express their ism's, but it is within us. We need to convert, to turn around, and walk out as our parable tells us today treating everyone as equals. In the eyes of God all of us are the same, we are loved, and cared for equally, and his/her call is for us turn around, and do the same. Deo Gratias! Thanks be to God!
-------------------------------------------------
Fr. River Damien Sims, sfw, D.Min., D.S.T.
P.O. Box 642656
San Francisco, CA 94164
www.temenos.org
by Greg Jarrell--A Reflection.
Matthew 20:1-16 English Standard Version (ESV)
Laborers in the Vineyard
20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius[a] a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’[b] 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.”
---------------------------------------------------------
Jarrell's book is a story about living in community in a changing neighborhood in Charlotte, South Carolina. It is a book that for me was difficult and I cried as page by page, it describes his neighborhood of Enderly Park, a neighborhood of black people seeking to make ends meet. Jarrell, presents stories of death and life, and of a neighborhood that is being gentrified, in other words the poor blacks are being pushed out by the rich whites. He also describes how the Civil Rights Movement brought certain freedoms, and yet at the same time, the white power holders, codified the law where Blacks remain segregated.
Same old story as from the first day slaves were brought into this country, just a different name. Same old story as we read through out the Bible.
The book calls us to convert, to turn around and face the reality of the pain that is being caused, and in which many of us participate unwittingly, and walk with our neighbors as peers, as equals, and like the workers are treated in our Gospel.
For me I see Polk Street and the Haight. When I first came Polk was an edgy queer street, gay bars, hustling and drugs. There was a mixture of people. Rent was inexpensive. Through the years Polk has slowly, changed, to a street of wealth, privilege. It is called "Middle Polk Blvd." rather than Polk Gulch. Several years ago a group wanted to paint a mural honoring the queer community and those who were sex workers, for which Polk was known, and that in many ways was an expression of the Gay Liberation Movement, and they were told "no". A portion of queer history is lost. Polk played a key role in the queer liberation movement. It was the queer street before the Castro. All of that is lost. This past must be forgotten, it might threatened the economic rise of the area. One organization's aim is to see that Polk is profitable, and the poor, the disenfranchised are pushed out. Only those who have money are welcome.
Haight Street is similar. It is now a "tourist mecca" celebrating the 60's in artistic ways, especially in ways to make money, rents are sky high. The old shops are gone. Street youth are harassed. Little assistance is offered.
Through the years in my ministry I have tried to live as close to the people I serve, and I do. I am living more simply than ever before, most of my finances goes to providing for their needs, and I have been where they are in sex work and poverty. But there is still a difference, I am privileged: the best health care, support from friends, a nice place to live, and freedom to go where I want. Today I received two pairs of glasses--one for everyday use, specially equipped for driving at night, and another pair for computer use and reading. Privileged I am, and their are times I feel guilty, but am learning to use that privilege to help others have the same privileges as I do. Most importantly I am "white", and educated. I can move where I want and the police and people want label me or be nervous when I am around. Racism is alive and well in San Francisco, we just choose to ignore it. I have friends in Marin who are Mexican, and the racism with which they are treated is really difficult to watch, because it is under the surface. Never directly, but it is there.
Jarrell has stopped having youth groups, and individuals volunteer, because in coming, they bring their privileged, and see the poor as separate, and than leave 'feeling good". There is no connection--but a separation into the privileged and under privileged.
We watched a group of young people on Polk recently trying to "preach Jesus and save souls," and one person they spent time with was an elderly, alcoholic, who is homeless, and after the group left he said to me: "They think they are fu..king better than us, and I accepted Jesus and took their twenty dollars." The youth went home feeling good, they saved a soul.
One of Jarrell's suggestions is that we truly walk with people, that we seek conversion, "to turn around", and change the systems that destroy neighborhoods. The Fillmore is a good example, it was once a scene of music, fine foods, but when the City moved into to change, the blacks were moved out. It is now truly a place for people with money.
We can blame President Trump all we choose, but the truth is that this is within us. He may have made it easier for people to express their ism's, but it is within us. We need to convert, to turn around, and walk out as our parable tells us today treating everyone as equals. In the eyes of God all of us are the same, we are loved, and cared for equally, and his/her call is for us turn around, and do the same. Deo Gratias! Thanks be to God!
-------------------------------------------------
Fr. River Damien Sims, sfw, D.Min., D.S.T.
P.O. Box 642656
San Francisco, CA 94164
www.temenos.org
April 20, 2019
Excellent. I am grateful for this family and this book.
January 30, 2020
Part ministry guide, part spiritual memoir, Jarrell shares his experiences of the joys and heartbreaks of pastoring in Enderly Park, an urban neighborhood two miles from downtown Charlotte, NC. His beautifully written vignettes bring to life the stories of the residents who live, work, struggle and seek to thrive together in their community. The book’s theme plays off the musical concept of the “riff”, which Jarrell describes as “a small piece of musical formation. It is a few notes, perhaps four or five, not quite long enough to be a melody but at least the beginning of one. A riff is the essence of the full melody, the foundation from which a whole work is constructed.” (p. 15) Unlike scripted music, the riff is played intuitively, and others join in as the music builds. It becomes an extended metaphor for life in Christian community. On this theme, Jarrell reflects, “The Annunciation of good news, when it comes, is always a blessed surprise, a rift in the world of fear and brokenness we inhabit.” (p. 29)
Jarrell is honest about his own shortcomings and inadequacies as a pastor, while still expressing a profound faith in God’s abundance and redemption in Jesus Christ. Jarrell also expresses a deep sense of humility and gratitude about his work. He learns from those in his neighborhood who have much to teach him about life and ministry. Jarrell’s prophetic voice is strong, yet gentle. Through his experiences and reflections, he calls faith communities to challenge the status quo of power and privilege and lean into God’s radical, abundant grace. Powerfully weds Christian theology and discipleship with practical ministry and social justice advocacy. Not your typical church growth book. A worthy addition to any pastor or ministry leader’s library. Highly recommended.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. My review is an honest, unbiased review reflecting my own opinion of the work. I was not required to write a positive review of this work.
#ARiffOfLove
Jarrell is honest about his own shortcomings and inadequacies as a pastor, while still expressing a profound faith in God’s abundance and redemption in Jesus Christ. Jarrell also expresses a deep sense of humility and gratitude about his work. He learns from those in his neighborhood who have much to teach him about life and ministry. Jarrell’s prophetic voice is strong, yet gentle. Through his experiences and reflections, he calls faith communities to challenge the status quo of power and privilege and lean into God’s radical, abundant grace. Powerfully weds Christian theology and discipleship with practical ministry and social justice advocacy. Not your typical church growth book. A worthy addition to any pastor or ministry leader’s library. Highly recommended.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. My review is an honest, unbiased review reflecting my own opinion of the work. I was not required to write a positive review of this work.
#ARiffOfLove
November 14, 2020
Greg Jarrell weaves together blues music and Scripture to describe his experiences living in the Enderly Park community in west Charlotte, NC. He is himself a straight white male who has chosen to embed himself and his family in this majority Black neighborhood, to "be a disciple" (his words) among them.
As a Charlottean, I did appreciate learning more about this historic community. There used to be an amusement park there! And Jarrell describes quite the vibrant, close-knit community, which sounds lovely.
However, I think he tried to "do too much." It's a short book - only about 150 pages. And in those pages he attempts to educate the reader on blues music, Scripture, and social justice. It's a lot. I can appreciate his goals, but the book fell a tad short. I also felt slightly uncomfortable in a few places, where Jarrell's descriptions seemed to stray a bit toward "white messiah" or paternalistic tones.
Overall, it's not a bad book (Goodreads says two stars is "it's ok") but it's also not going to become my go-to recommendation for Charlotte social justice reads.
As a Charlottean, I did appreciate learning more about this historic community. There used to be an amusement park there! And Jarrell describes quite the vibrant, close-knit community, which sounds lovely.
However, I think he tried to "do too much." It's a short book - only about 150 pages. And in those pages he attempts to educate the reader on blues music, Scripture, and social justice. It's a lot. I can appreciate his goals, but the book fell a tad short. I also felt slightly uncomfortable in a few places, where Jarrell's descriptions seemed to stray a bit toward "white messiah" or paternalistic tones.
Overall, it's not a bad book (Goodreads says two stars is "it's ok") but it's also not going to become my go-to recommendation for Charlotte social justice reads.
September 2, 2020
This memoir is an interesting mix of Greg Jarrell's attachment to the people in his Enderly Park neighborhood and the challenges they face, an application of his Christian beliefs to living your values, abd an exploration of his antiracist journey, while using his love and knowledge of jazz to connect them all. As a Charlottean, I really appreciated learning about this part of my city that I know so little about, and I hope other Charlotteans -- especially White South Charlotteans like me -- read it as well.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews