[Dixielandjazz] Popular Songs as Poetry, 70s style

[Patrick Ladd]

Hi,
regarding music as a backing to poetry. The best I have ever heard is the 
poetry of John Betjeman set to music. Betjeman for those not in the know was 
a very popular English poet. Rather unfairly he is most often remembered for 
his poem which started
Come friendly bombs and fall on Slough
Its no fit place for humans now
There isn`t space to graze a cow

Slough, a town outside London was in the process of being `developed` at the 
time.

I had a couple of LP`s, one of which was `Banana Blush` I forget the other. 
Same band doing the backing on both I think. Nothing to play LP`s on now so 
I haven`t heard them for years. I think i will have a trawl around the net.
Merry Christmas everyone

Pat

-----Original Message----- 
From: Stan Brager
Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2014 8:46 AM
To: Pat Ladd
Cc: Dixieland Jazz Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Popular Songs as Poetry, 70s style

I agree with Bill that the lyrics of the BEST of Tin Pan Alley, etc. should
be highly regarded. On the other hand, most of Tin Pan Alley, etc. was no
better than most of today's popular music. How many of us would immerse
themselves in today's popular music.

Stan
Stan Brager

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Haesler [mailto:bhaesler at bigpond.net.au]
Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2014 8:43 PM
To: Charles Suhor; Dixieland Jazz Mailing List; Norman Vickers
Cc: Dixieland Jazz Mailing List
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Popular Songs as Poetry, 70s style

Charles Suhor wrote:
>> Do the lyrics of popular songs qualify as poetry?
> I totally agree with Bill Haesler that the lyrics of best of Tin Pan Alley
and Broadway Musical songs of the 20-40s had an urbanity and depth that can
stand alone as poetry, though they're fully realized when well sung.
Then:
> It's interesting that explicit claims for lyrics as poetry grew in the
late 60s and early 70s, the years of hippies, war protests, Black Power, and
of course, Sex, Drugs, and Rock&Roll....

Dear Charlie,
Thank you.
Unfortunately, when the 60s came along and that different generation
initiated 'Poetry and Jazz' sessions, they lost me.
Musical improvisation behind a poet's words is quite a different thing.
But then, I'm not a poet - and I knowet.
<big grin>
Happy Christmas and kind regards,
Bill.




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