Pictures of the Gone World (CD - 2005)

Lawrence Ferlinghetti may not be as recognized by mainstream culture as some of his beat poet counterparts, but to scholars and devotees of beat culture he is one of the most important and revered figures of the movement. This two-disc set features Ferlinghetti meditating on a time gone by in his past. His paper-thin wispy voice further reinforces the antiquity of the content, but David Amram accompanies him musically with great subtlety and sensitivity. His cycle of observational writing is addictive and, while not as potent or important to the beat canon as Coney Island of the Mind, definitely ranks up there with one of his most important works. Also featured in the set is a bonus DVD featuring an intimate look at the record's creation, featuring Ferlinghetti and Amram in the studio recording and reciting the works. An absolutely essential supplement to all students serious about their studies of beat culture. ~ Rob Theakston minimize