Book Review
    Lost Highway: "A Blues Poetry Anthology"
    Lummox Press
    by Dick Houff
    Review date: January 2001
    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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