While working on a project with
legendary jazz drummer Max Roach,
Max read some of Paula's poetry and
encouraged her to bring her poems
together with music.
Paula and Oakland based pianist Rudy
Wongozi recorded this CD in one take
with Rudi improvising on the piano as Paula read her poetry.
The poetry of PAULA HACKETT
w/Rudi Wongozi (piano)
"Paula Hackett's poetry is astonishing. This collaboration with
Rudy Wongozi will make performance history." Max Roach
PAULA HACKETT: ROULETTE
Max Roach
A story that can't be told
Your story
there will never be a way
the world can explain
the man, the imagination, the music
Genius was your playground
We all have our versions
You kept me going for years
with a nod a laugh
a lunch in the kitchen
" Put words to this music,"you'd say
My brother and I would
come back with words.
it was serious
it was critical
and you would be delighted
as we wrote our songs
on your strength.
From the swamp land of North Carolina
to the symphony of the Brooklyn street.
Carnegie Hall joined the applause from around the globe.
You showed us the grace of art
So many people so many stories
So many versions
and each version telling of a world built stronger by the man
Max Roach
Paula Hackett 2004
Paula Hackett, Max Roach, John Hackett
Paula Hackett's poetry is influenced by her life experiences growing up in Berkeley during the vibrant and explosive 60's. The daughter of novelist Paul Hackett, she studied under John Beecher, Angela Davis and Grover Sales. She has written lyrics for great jazz composers including Teddy Edwards, John Handy, Ivan Lins, Joe Sample, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, and Cedar Walton. Her life long love of jazz is reflected in her many poems about musicians and in her collaboration with pianist Rudi Wongozi.
Paula Hackett's book of poetry "Roulette" is available at Bird & Beckett bookstore in San Francisco.
UPCOMING READINGS: Friday, May
22 - North
Beach 2009 Poetry Festival @ Bocce Cafe, 478 Green Street near
Grant - Paula goes on at Noon.
Monday, July 6 (7pm) -
Bird &
Beckett Books, located on 653 Chenery Street
415 586-3733: Paula will join the
renowned poet, author & musician
David Meltzer for this reading.
June 28 the @
Chez Hanny : w/New York based Pianist
Connie Crothers. Paula will read in the second set. Show starts @
4pm, doors open @ 3:30.
The
Gallery-- Monday August 3: 7--8:30. Hosted by Kit Kennedy
1200 Mason and Washington.
