The second poetry reading of the Oxford stanza gave an opportunity to meet five new poets from this multi-talented group. John Ellinger opened by admitting that the only firm links between the artists were their use of the delightful Jericho Art Gallery as a home venue and sharing the name Oxford Stanza. Certainly the variety of verse could hardly have spanned a broader spectrum.
One can purchase their works easily - most are published, but hearing them read their own work is a huge bonus. Their range of presentation is as wide as their material. John's 'from-the-hip' everyday style was contrasted completely by Paulette Mae's profoundly musical delivery and David Olsen's laid-back, cultured American tones.
After the interval, Simon Altmann's gentle Spanish cadences led to Caroline Ashley's definitively English renditions and the brilliantly-timed humorous word-play of Michael Swan. Together one might have enjoyed a full choral delight of richly-intoned sounds without the thought-provoking poems. That would be like savouring the tastes of gourmet with closed eyes.
Trying to pick out favourite moments, memorable phrases or sudden jolts to new awareness would show an unfair bias as a reviewer. There were so many and from every individual poet. It is far better that I report more globally that the evening was another outstanding success. The poets created an ambience uniquely suited to listening to their varied and impressive linguistic competences. I shall certainly look forward to the next opportunity to hear them.
One can purchase their works easily - most are published, but hearing them read their own work is a huge bonus. Their range of presentation is as wide as their material. John's 'from-the-hip' everyday style was contrasted completely by Paulette Mae's profoundly musical delivery and David Olsen's laid-back, cultured American tones.
After the interval, Simon Altmann's gentle Spanish cadences led to Caroline Ashley's definitively English renditions and the brilliantly-timed humorous word-play of Michael Swan. Together one might have enjoyed a full choral delight of richly-intoned sounds without the thought-provoking poems. That would be like savouring the tastes of gourmet with closed eyes.
Trying to pick out favourite moments, memorable phrases or sudden jolts to new awareness would show an unfair bias as a reviewer. There were so many and from every individual poet. It is far better that I report more globally that the evening was another outstanding success. The poets created an ambience uniquely suited to listening to their varied and impressive linguistic competences. I shall certainly look forward to the next opportunity to hear them.