Localese
By Chris Nixon
September 16, 2004
San Diego Union-Tribune
With the emergence of spoken word and the Def Poetry Slam in the 1990s, the link between poetry and hip-hop culture developed a concrete connection. In the past few years, spoken-word poet Alfred Howard has solidified the connection further by adding a live band playing fusion, funk and soul. Howard published a collection of poems titled "Serpentine Highway" (Altered States Press) in 2002, then put the lyrics to music with his band, the K23 Orchestra. The San Diego-based band also released "Kudra" and won the San Diego Music Awards Best Hip-Hop Band in 2003.
Beginning with the aptly titled "Bleeding Polished Cacophony," Howard furthers his poetic output with "14 Days of the Universe in Incandescent Bloom" (self-release, HHH). Drummer John Staten – who also mans the drum kit for Karl Denson's Tiny Universe – adds percussive flavor to the poet's articulate musings. While K23 Orchestra vets Travis Daudert (guitar), Josh Rice (keyboards) and Aaron Irwin (percussion) contribute to the disc, the album's 23 tracks focus on Howard's skills as a wordsmith.
On another note, I'd like to give a hearty toast to San Diego's own punk stalwarts, the Dragons, who, after righteously representing S.D., are calling it quits after 13 years. After many rocking nights at the Casbah and numerous "Exile on Kettner" shows, the boys always gave it all for their shows. Cheers.
Finally, I'd like to invite everyone to help participate in the local music scene by voting for their favorite bands in conjunction with the upcoming San Diego Music Awards. You can vote at www.sandiegomusicawards.com. The ceremonies will be held Sept. 28 at Humphrey's by the Bay. All proceeds from San Diego Music Awards events are used to purchase guitars for elementary schools in San Diego County.
Chris Nixon is a San Diego writer.
