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| Novel and New Poetry Band: One-of-a-Kind Group Offers Music and Message Members of many bands don't even read books, much less write them. But Poetry Band is far from your average rock band. As the name implies, Poetry Band is a thrilling blend of avant-garde poems combined with guitar-driven music. Poetry Band features the visionary poetry of Wilson Sherman combined with an ever-growing collective of accomplished musicians. Though current releases are in a jazz-rock groove, new recordings could range from the London Philharmonic to a solo guitar, trumpet or flute. Poetry Band is one of the few spoken word Christian bands in America. So, why use spoken word and poetry? Simple - it was one of the first ways of communicating with God. "The first poetry band, " Wilson Sherman says, "was David reciting his Psalms while the musicians jammed along!" This modern-day Poetry Band has recently recorded two live, improvisational music poetry CDs, which feature spoken word, songs and long jams combined and woven into a kind of modern psychedelic theatre. The two CDs, "Resurrection" and "Exit, " were released in late spring and act as companion pieces to two of Wilson Sherman books of poetry, "Rooms" and "Exit." The CDs are extended improv sessions, with "Exit" clocking in at 65 minutes of nonstop pure jam, which may be a record in the music world. The themes vary from enlightening Christian spirituals to urgent social commentary. Accompanying Wilson's amazing vocals on "Exit" are featured musicians John Rekevics on saxophone/flute/clarinet; Darrell Fields on guitar; bassist/pianist Steve Blake; and drummer Jim Guercio. Jim's father, Joe Guercio, was Elvis Presley's orchestra leader for many years. With a free- flowing quality that still has an edge, "music the wine, and poetry the bread"are superbly fused by Poetry Band. The music is very melodic and melancholy at points, yet boiling over in intensity at times. Listening to the extended jams is truly an unforgettable experience. "The risk Poetry Band took paid off as this is a must-have for all music collectors, " said Jason Pepe of Zero Magazine. By conveying important messages about God, as well as delivering important social and political commentary, this album takes many risks, and for this reason, Wilson has been called both the "God Poet" and "Outlaw Poet." write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |