Double Trio: Tej Bet, So's Notice, Nerve Church: Limited Edition Box Set

American poet Nathaniel Mackey has been writing a long poem of fugitive making like no other, "Song of the Andoumboulou" and "Mu". It follows a mysterious, migrant "we" through the rhythms and currents of the world with lyrical virtuosity and impassioned expectancy. The poem is structured in part after the last three movements of John Coltranes Meditations, "Love," "Consequence," and "Serenity", and stretches the explorations and improvisations of free jazz into unprecedented poetic territory.

Format: Hardback
Length: 976 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2021
Publisher: New Directions Publishing Corporation

For over three decades, American poet Nathaniel Mackey has been crafting an extraordinary long poem of fugitive making, like no other. This poetic journey consists of two elegiac, intertwined serial poems, "Song of the Andoumboulou" and "Mu," which follow a mysterious and migrant "we" through the rhythms and currents of the world with lyrical virtuosity and impassioned expectancy. In a note accompanying this remarkable box set of new work, Mackey shares: "I turned sixty-five within a couple of months of beginning to write Double Trio, and I was within a couple of months of turning seventy-one when I finished it. It was a period of distress and precarity both within and outside. During this time, a certain disposition or dispensation came upon me that I would characterize or sum up with the words all-day music. It was a period during which I wanted never not to be thinking between poetry and music, poetry and the daily or the everyday, the everyday and the alter-everyday. Philosophically and technically, the work meant to be always pertaining to the relation of parts to one another and of parts to an evolving whole."

Double Trio, structured in part after the final three movements of John Coltrane's Meditations—"Love," "Consequence," and "Serenity"—expands the boundaries of free jazz into uncharted poetic territory.

Mackey's poetic language is rich and evocative, drawing on a wide range of literary and musical influences. He seamlessly blends elements of jazz, blues, and African rhythms, creating a unique and captivating soundscape. The poems are filled with vivid imagery and metaphor, painting a vivid picture of the world and the experiences of the migrant "we."

One of the standout features of Double Trio is its exploration of the concept of fugitivity. The poems depict the struggles and hardships faced by migrants, as they navigate the complexities of the world and search for a sense of belonging. Mackey's portrayal of the migrant experience is nuanced and empathetic, capturing the complexities of their journey and the resilience they exhibit in the face of adversity.

Another notable aspect of Double Trio is its use of improvisation. Mackey incorporates elements of free jazz into his poetry, allowing the music to inform and inspire his writing. The poems are filled with spontaneous and improvised moments, reflecting the improvisational nature of jazz and the way it can inspire creativity and spontaneity in the arts.

Throughout the poem, Mackey employs a variety of poetic techniques, including rhyme, rhythm, and repetition. These devices help to create a sense of movement and momentum, as the poem progresses through its various stages and themes. Mackey's use of language is also masterful, with his precise and evocative descriptions bringing the reader into the world of the poem.

In conclusion, Double Trio is a remarkable achievement by Nathaniel Mackey. It is a long poem of fugitive making that pushes the boundaries of poetry and music, exploring the complexities of the human experience and the search for meaning in a world that is constantly in flux. Mackey's poetic language is rich and evocative, his imagery is vivid, and his use of improvisation and free jazz creates a unique and captivating soundscape. This poem is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and connect people across different cultures and experiences.

Weight: 1648g
Dimension: 160 x 393 x 79 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780811230629