Another poem in video format for those of you who can’t play audio files.
Pure Pop Youtube Video /
Simply supplying this poem in video format for those who do not like audio files.
Poem of Hope of One Kind or Another /
My art, writing and poetry have always been closely linked to my life—the physical and the life of the mind. This poem is about fifteen years old. I still enjoy it. While at readings, I was never really sure if this one connected with audiences. I was obstinate, though; I often brought it out.
I hope you like it, or take away a line that you like.
Poem (I Am Brushing My Teeth) /
Another audio file of an older poem that is part of a manuscript titled, Elegy for the United States of America.
I guess I’m on a jazz kick, and a love jones.
I hope you dig it.
Clifford Brown
Pure Pop: the Poem /
I completed a manuscript called Pure Pop around 2004. Gavin Craig and the fine folks at Revelator Press published an e-chapbook version of it, which is available on this site. The title poem of the manuscript is dedicated to Diane Wakoski, and it is about dealing with winter, and I always think of it around this time.
I hope you can listen to it; I hope you enjoy it.
My Jazzy Jazz Jazz Playlist /
I have been working on a jazz playlist. The idea occurred to me while reading Quincy Troupe’s book, miles and me. This is by no means a complete survey of the entire jazz catalogue—just a bunch of jazz musicians and tunes which I dig.
You will, of course, notice the inclusion of a lot of Miles Davis. I love the trumpet, and Davis is by far my favorite jazz musician.
Also, yes, this exploration of jazz pretty much takes a nose dive at the onset of the 80s and comes to an abrupt end.
Presidential Themes /
On Presidents Day, I would like to point back in time to a few early paintings. Very early on, I was focused on a series of paintings and collages that focused on the theme of liberty. Most of these works included an image of the Statue of Liberty. A little later, I latched on to the idea of presidents peering over the shoulders of soccer players: a theme of the future. The theme revolved around the idea that soccer was the future, that national evolution was necessary and that presidential figures would understand this.
Collage from 2001.
I can’t remember the title of this painting, but it was a large piece, like 4’x9’, on cardboard.
Collage on box board.
Washington Peers into the Future
Crossing a Delaware.
The Falling Leaves Drift By My Window /
Is there anything finer than Ozzie Bailey’s vocals on “Autumn Leaves” with Duke Ellington and Ray Nance and company behind him? I just don’t know. My gosh. Swoon.
Ozzie Bailey