When this piece plays on a public radio station, the radio spectrum will be used for what it was originally intended. Golding has taken air and shaped it into art with words and music. He blends the music of Skyward's hypnotic blues guitar with the words of Sandburg. Especially well captured is Sandburg's haunting "Night Bells." The listener is drawn in immediately by the rhythm of the music and the words weaving in and out together. A total experience if one relaxes and listens. Well done piece. This piece would play well at any time of the year, but, of course, is especially apropos for April.
Barrett always amazes me with ability to take something that seems like a terrible idea on paper and craft it into something that works well on radio--often for the most undescribable reasons. This is an innovative use of both the music and the spoken word segment. The end effect is almost Zen-like, like chanting a mantra over and over. Yeah, I'd use this on the radio. I couldn't tell you why, but I'd definitely use it.
As a Sandburg fan, I would be interested in hearing this piece and would be concerned if it was not done with the appropriate respect. It succeeds on all counts.
It is clear this is a contemporary production, but the accompanying music is totally appropriate and tasteful. It's clear the producer has an affinity for the subject, and the warmth of Sandburg sails through.
I am not sure if the question posed by the title of the piece is answered. Nor am I sure that is important.
Wonderful short piece that captures and conveys a love of language and poetic expression. One of those radio pieces that catches the ear and enriches the listener.
good evergreen oasis.
Interesting mix of more current music with a vocal cadence of the past. Really thougtful. unusual but not overly - easy to hear in the middle of most live programming.
I like so much of this I feel like one of those cranks in the bleachers at Fenway. Blame me for knowing too much about too little, or else letting what I know simply get in the way.
Ditto the five-star review with one exception: the music. Sandburg rose to fame as editor/collector of The American Songbag, a solid five years before the Lomaxes (father and son) under the WPA pillaged the south. This guy loved folk music. The music featured here is a vamp, a loop, complete with noodling solos, whereas a folk tune has a clear beginning, middle, and end. I like the use of the rhythm of the music here, but the drums in the first segment combat the voice. At the very least, ditch the drum version so the words provide the percussion for the piece.
Or else find a recording of a traditional tuning, goose its tempo until it fits Sandburg's rhythm. After all, that was the kind of music lurking in his mind.
Spine-tingling mix of multiple voices of Carl Sandburg and music. Impeccable music/spoken-word timing. This will make you want to quit your day job and fill your fountain pen.
Comments for What is Poetry?
This piece belongs to the series "Wandering Jew stories"
Produced by Barrett Golding
Other pieces by Hearing Voices
Rating Summary
10 comments
Alejandro Cartagena
Posted on March 02, 2010 at 02:37 PM | Permalink
DEEEP
This shit rocks the poetry is real deep
Deborah Astley
Posted on March 27, 2005 at 06:07 AM | Permalink
Review of What is Poetry?
When this piece plays on a public radio station, the radio spectrum will be used for what it was originally intended. Golding has taken air and shaped it into art with words and music. He blends the music of Skyward's hypnotic blues guitar with the words of Sandburg. Especially well captured is Sandburg's haunting "Night Bells." The listener is drawn in immediately by the rhythm of the music and the words weaving in and out together. A total experience if one relaxes and listens. Well done piece. This piece would play well at any time of the year, but, of course, is especially apropos for April.
Ron Johnson
Posted on December 09, 2004 at 07:03 AM | Permalink
Review of What is Poetry?
This is a great poem, deeply rooted in the traditions of spoken words poets such as Saul Williams, Jessica Care Moore, and Beau Sia.
Eugene Harter
Posted on July 06, 2004 at 10:02 AM | Permalink
Review of What is Poetry?
This is good for what it is, which is basically music. I would rather hear more Sandburg and less music. I guess I'm more interested in information.
Eric Nuzum
Posted on June 30, 2004 at 02:14 AM | Permalink
Review of What is Poetry?
Barrett always amazes me with ability to take something that seems like a terrible idea on paper and craft it into something that works well on radio--often for the most undescribable reasons. This is an innovative use of both the music and the spoken word segment. The end effect is almost Zen-like, like chanting a mantra over and over. Yeah, I'd use this on the radio. I couldn't tell you why, but I'd definitely use it.
Paul Nelson
Posted on May 05, 2004 at 12:20 PM | Permalink
Review of What is Poetry?
As a Sandburg fan, I would be interested in hearing this piece and would be concerned if it was not done with the appropriate respect. It succeeds on all counts.
It is clear this is a contemporary production, but the accompanying music is totally appropriate and tasteful. It's clear the producer has an affinity for the subject, and the warmth of Sandburg sails through.
I am not sure if the question posed by the title of the piece is answered. Nor am I sure that is important.
We need more work like this on the radio.
Neva Reece
Posted on November 06, 2003 at 09:14 AM | Permalink
Review of What is Poetry?
Wonderful short piece that captures and conveys a love of language and poetic expression. One of those radio pieces that catches the ear and enriches the listener.
Transom Editors
Posted on September 25, 2003 at 08:40 PM | Permalink
Review of What is Poetry?
good evergreen oasis.
Interesting mix of more current music with a vocal cadence of the past. Really thougtful. unusual but not overly - easy to hear in the middle of most live programming.
vm
Jackson Braider
Posted on September 17, 2003 at 08:19 PM | Permalink
Review of What is Poetry?
I like so much of this I feel like one of those cranks in the bleachers at Fenway. Blame me for knowing too much about too little, or else letting what I know simply get in the way.
Ditto the five-star review with one exception: the music. Sandburg rose to fame as editor/collector of The American Songbag, a solid five years before the Lomaxes (father and son) under the WPA pillaged the south. This guy loved folk music. The music featured here is a vamp, a loop, complete with noodling solos, whereas a folk tune has a clear beginning, middle, and end. I like the use of the rhythm of the music here, but the drums in the first segment combat the voice. At the very least, ditch the drum version so the words provide the percussion for the piece.
Or else find a recording of a traditional tuning, goose its tempo until it fits Sandburg's rhythm. After all, that was the kind of music lurking in his mind.
Michael Joly
Posted on September 09, 2003 at 05:03 AM | Permalink
Review of What is Poetry?
Spine-tingling mix of multiple voices of Carl Sandburg and music. Impeccable music/spoken-word timing. This will make you want to quit your day job and fill your fountain pen.