neo-beatery ballads: New Beat Poetry

Roderick Deacey's new take on Beat Poetry redefines the borderland between song lyrics and poetry; words and music. Unlike the 1950's Beat Generation's forays into poetry and jazz, where the jazz arrangements played around the poetry, Deacey's spoken words themselves take on the role of a lead instrument when backed by his bass and drums rhythm section. The poems have evolved into structures that move far beyond song lyrics into mixes of formal and free verse that carve their own path among today's contemporary poetic genres. This selection shows the range and vitality of this iteration of beat poetry, moving from love and loss stories to current issues and concerns. Deacey has established himself as a charismatic live performer, but the heart of his readings is found in the strength and imagery of these compelling new poems.