ROCK ON WITH LINER NOTES Author Gary Rainford Delivers Second Collection of Poetry That Is a Music Lover’s Dream
“…A music lover’s dream” – Adam Bradley, author of The Poetry of Pop
Los Angeles, CA/September 18, 2017 – Acclaimed author and Poet Gary Rainford delivers his second collection of poetry in Liner Notes (North Country Press) and hits number one with a bullet out-of-the-box.
For decades, experimental musicians have created new hit songs by repurposing lyrics or melodies from previous hits. In 1969, "Come Together" by The Beatles sampled, "You Can't Catch Me" by Chuck Berry. In 1989, "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy sampled, "Funky Drummer" by James Brown. "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath was sampled in "Hell of a Life" by Kanye West. In 2010. Lady Gaga sampled Queen. Led Zeppelin sampled Muddy Waters. And Pink Floyd sampled Tchaikovsky. The list goes on and on.
Liner Notes explores sixty-four ekphrastic musicians as artists making music. The author covers multiple genres with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Bjork, Lemmy Kilmister, Philip Glass, George Michael, Richie Havens, Billie Holiday, Jeff Buckley, David Byrne – just to name a few.
“These poems were inspired by songs, my true passion,” says Rainford. “My love of music and language. Musicians as artists making music was the perfect subject for a collection of poetry and evolution of my work.”
Additional praise for Liner Notes: American singer-songwriter David Mallett calls Liner Notes, “A poetic glimpse into the magic and mythology of modern music.” Johnny Dowd, American Alternative Country Musician says, “If you love music and you love poetry, this is the book for you.” And Mick Box of URIAH HEEP states, “Once you start, it just draws you in, and you cannot put it down.”
About Gary Rainford: Gary Rainford, author of two poetry collections, Liner Notes and Salty Liquor, lives on Swan’s Island, Maine year-round with his wife and daughter. Gary’s suite of poems, We Are Here, was an honorable mention selected by Betsy Sholl for The Gabriel Zimpritch Memorial Poetry Prize. His poems, shaped by tides, saltwater and music, is published in a wide range of literary magazines, university journals, and newspapers. Liner Notes is a tribute to great songs, inspired musicians, poetic form, the love of singing in the shower and playing acoustic air-guitar.
Down East magazine calls Gary a Maine poet at the top of his game with Liner Notes.
