Book Review
Lost Highway: "A Blues Poetry Anthology"
Lummox Press
by Dick Houff
Review date: January 2001
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1999 KBA Award Winner
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by the Blues Foundation
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The days of those cute little measured lines have passed, along with the indecipherable academic poetry of the 70s and 80s, that totally alienated the masses from reading verse. The new writing of the last two decades has brought about a much needed change in the way we view poetry. Charles Bukowski played an instrumental role during this time
frame. He took his verse and prose writings into the streets, and the people rallied behind him. With "Lost Highway," you will find that much needed cutting edge voice. The blues in a no-nonsense format; like the music—tough and in-your-face. You'll find tender moments as well; here's an example from R.D. Armstrong:
Twenty Notes Gone South
remember those beer-stained nights
of rompin', out-of-focus blues
when couples squeezed onto crowded dance
floors
to dance the crazy-legged be-bop & jive, or
jumpin' at the woodside, or
doin' the crosstown, las' chance fo' romance-
closing-time boogie.
remember the band hittin' the ninth refrain
runnin'
like a roundhouse haymaker findin' its mark
sweating under red and blue lights
while everyone was hypnotized by
the big man on the mic,
always dressed in a suit, Chicago-style
hair slicked back
remember how the big man never took off the shades
even at night, even as he slept, perhaps.
remember how he worked so hard
hunched over
cupping his instrument
pulling it into himself
grunting and shouting
sweat pouring off his brow
blowing his soul into and through
ten-holes
turning twenty notes into a
vocabulary of sighs and moans
like a mile-long, south-bound freight
pulling its tired load of joy and sorrow
over Breakheart Pass.
remember the big man driven
onwards
always
William Clarke is dead
twenty notes gone south, gone
home to rest
let us pause and remember
What a beautiful tribute to a great man. This one poem touched my heart more than I can say. The first time I met Bill, was at Smokey Wilson's place; we'd meet again over the years, on stage and off. A true champion with a killer harp. This book is a masterstroke read. Now, remember, this is but one poem from one poet. This book is loaded with my highest recommendations. To order, send $5.00 and ask for "Little
Red Book #28," from:
Lummox Press
P.O. Box 5301
San Pedro, CA 90733
This review is copyright © 2001 by Dick Houff, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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E-mail Ray Stiles at: 
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