Spoken word. OK, some uninitiated folk, some folk who watch parodies of the same on Mad TV or Def Comedy Jam or perhaps see it performed badly at some coffee bar will snicker. But the Graffiti Verite documentary Random Static: The Iridescent Equations of Spoken Word illustrates and expounds on the singlar thesis that this art form is indeed bon mots. Poetry. Subject to the discipline and devotion of craft. Indeed, the only additional element is the performance mode of the poet. Performance implies a primary purpose of "for the people," rather than serving a brooding ego or exorcise personal demons.
Directed by filmmaker Bob Bryan, the focus here on the craft, rather than the personal quirks of poets Natalie Patterson, Poetri, Sekou tha misfit, Hunter Lee Hughes, Vejea Jennings, Common Ground, Bridget Gray, Mollie Angelheart, J. Walker, Nick Lopez, Tim'm T. West, Rachel Kann, The Lindz and Eric Haber. Yes, their personalities and inspirations shine through, but the essence of craft is what Bryan captures, honestly and admirably. Craft in the poets sharing their philosophies on why they do what they: "People do not listen. They only hear static, the noise." Or how humor, irony become allegory for deeper problems, such as a jaded ode to the south's own caloric noose on the black man: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.
If you don't know anything about spoken word but the HBO versions, or think you know something about poetry but wish to know more, check out Bob Bryan's Random Urban Static--and learn, understand what's been there all along. Devotion. With music by Nebula One, produced by Loida Bryan, Miles Bryan and Nicholas Bryan.
6 comments:
Performance implies a primary purpose of "for the people," rather than serving a brooding ego or exorcise personal demons.
Problematic words.
Art is what the "Artist" meant to be, says Keith Rowe and I sign under.
Urge to communicate is what makes us reach others, because of US not others.
For those unfamiliar Amiri Baraka Master poet and performer, check his "Somebody Blew Up America" (mp3) , it is just hilarious and sad.
Do you like sound poetry?
Cecil Tailor also pianist and composer, [France] Henri Chopin
Check UBU.COM for more.
They have a GREAT archive, it is the youTUBE of the avant-garde.
As a writer you gonna love it!
Writing, audio, films ...
My bad Cecil Taylor actually!
Apologizes, still NOT familiar with English.
I saw the doc also & we have way different ops on this one. I respect the scope of the doc but it was just not something for me.
I love spoken word & many of the pieces featured were great but, I felt empty walking away, even the 2nd time I watched it.
I know there is an audience out there that will love this, so I hope this finds more love for others.
Bygbaby
I'm ordering it anyway. Looks like something from a different angle.
Ochyming, note I said "primary," not exclusive, purpose. The injection of self is always part of the equation.
@christopher chambers
Of course!
You see, the opportunism [a thing most ARTIST despise] you were criticizing is favored by escapism.
... And NO I think there is no high or low art.
Reason I kinda objected.
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