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I Loved You Once, Emmett Wheatfall
In all honesty, I'm not usually a fan of poetry read to jazz. It either comes off as hackneyed beat poetry or New Age-y treacle. But this disc by Portland poet Wheatfall has captured my attention. His deep voice is expressive and powerful, and his delivery is just plain cool. Using pianist Ramsey Embick as a backdrop for his phrasing, Wheatfall recites in styles ranging from walking swing ("The Wild Woods") to gospel-ish preaching ("I Understand You") to Latin ballads. All the while, his earnest delivery keeps things interesting and his words engaging. Embick is a perfect choice, due to his versatility and expert playing. Saxophonist Noah Peterson provides the backing on a couple of tunes, adding an urban honk to Wheatfall's punchy poetry. The one that goes nearly over the sappy line is "I Loved You Once," with both Embick and Peterson playing soft and pretty behind a love poem. Luckily, Wheatfall's words are smart enough to keep metaphors above the basal love meanings. I wish they had included the poetry in the sparse liner notes, but for fans of poetry and jazz, this is one of the better combos I've heard.
2011, Peterson Entertainment, 18 minutes
- Jazz Society of Oregon (Kyle O'Brien)
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Emmett Wheatfall has the unusual distinction of performing poetry at Jimmy Mak’s, a club known for bringing in top-notch jazz musicians – not poets. His appearance with this collection of musicians proves that the distinction may be irrelevant. He speaks with the phrasing similar to a saxophone player, savoring each note and syllable. His poetry explores cultural themes of separation and community relationships...
- Oregon Music News
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May 17, 2011
An Open Letter from BaseRoots Theatre Company
Hey Emmett,
...My Soul Grown Deep celebrates the breathing heart within these poems. We want to open them up, play, delve, re-envision and put them back together again. We rejoice that these poems reveal specific aspects of humanity in order to communicate and commiserate with all humanity. By the way, Emmett, we're closing with "Change".
Ladies and Gentlemen, My Soul Grown Deep.
See you there.
Bobby Bermea
Artistic Director
BaseRoots Theatre Company
http://www.baserootstheatre.org/
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As a teacher, I read and teach English poetry and appreciate it but my favorite poetry mirrors my experiences. Lastly I really like Emmett Wheatfall’s poetry. When one thinks of his or favorite poets, it is natural to reflect upon persons whom one discovers in textbooks; but I am drawn to Wheatfall’s work. Of the modern-day poets, he is among my favorite and I model some of my poetry after his work. I want to capture the essence of a moment in word. Wheatfall is a master at making the mudane loving and unforgettable. He is also a tireless student of poetry. It is because of him that I want to devote more time writing in poetic form.
- Michelle Hudson, Team Poetry Interview February 14, 2011
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Book Reviews for "We Think We Know"
Emmett Wheatfall’s philosophical curiosity reflects the openness of a true seeker. Unquestionably rooted in the tangible, his poems invite us to consider the meaning hidden in everyday objects and occurrences. His sense of wonder encourages us to take another look at the world around us, to wander further into the mystery.
The natural world becomes the stage upon which this universal drama plays out. With Emmett’s guidance, we may rediscover our place among the “butterfly and marigold.” Though the path can seem beset by “death and dying and sorrow,” with hope, the poet’s humble reminders will show us the way home.
- Christopher Luna, Poet, author, and editor
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I first encountered emmett wheatfall amongst the poetry set on Twitter©. The poems he shared were so different from the herd, so unique, that I became an instant fan of his work. From that, somewhat random, introduction I became a regular follower of his blog as well as his spoken word recordings. With each piece my respect for the man and his art grew exponentially. The diversity and life experience in his work is like nothing else I have read. His ability to stylistically shift from a smooth jazz voice to a preachers fire is truly original. His verse can be lyrical or staccato and you can see influences from Tupac to Shakespeare, but it is always unmistakably emmett.
If you are a lover of good original poetry, of masterful use of language and imagery, then I suggest you get to know emmett wheatfall for yourself. His writing is musical, spiritual, classic and yet always contemporary. Be it romantic or philosophical, humorous or reminiscent, the words roll off your tongue and the themes will make you smile and nod your head in agreement. His poetic voice is a seamless bridge from “back in the day” to the day after tomorrow and his words could only have been written by a man who has lived.
- Steven M Grant, Poet
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Email letter addressed to Noah Peterson of Peterson Entertainment LLC.
I am the publisher of Wine and Jazz magazine. For many years I have enjoyed poetry. Your company sent me Emmett Wheatfall’s CD “When I Was Young” earlier this year. It is a very unique record that I like tremendously. Because of this I featured this record in my just-released November (2010) issue of Wine and Jazz magazine as a pairing with a wine. If you would like a few copies of Wine and Jazz magazine, please advise where to send.
I am not kidding when I say I tremendously like “When I Was Young.” I thought perhaps you would mail another CD to one of my writers who resides in the state of Washington, Baldwin “Smitty” Smith. Smitty wrote the cover interview of Esperanza Spalding in my November magazine. If so, please advise and I will email you his mailing address.
Thank you,
Mike
Publisher
Wine and Jazz Magazine
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Emmett Wheatfall, Jay Stapleton
[SPOKEN WORD] Portland's own Emmett Wheatfall has quite a voice—rich and deep, half-jiving and half-poetic, fatherly and stern—and that voice is the focus of his new disc, When I Was Young. Sometimes he's touching ("When I Was Young"), sometimes funny ("Dance With Me," where he goes South of the Border...geographically and, if Wheatfall's plotting works out, perhaps sexually) and sometimes street-smart (the entirely un-P.C. "I Know You Tough and All That"). It's unpretentious street poetry, sometimes accapella and sometimes backed by Andre St. James and his trio. Tonight's CD release is a split with Jay Stapleton's group, which releases its funky organ-and-guitar-fueled debut, Upshot, tonight. CASEY JARMAN. 8 pm. Jimmy Mak's, 221 NW 10th Ave., 295-6542. $10. All ages. Map
Willamette Week (Online Periodical wweek.com)
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Masterful... A profound fluidity of heartfelt passion combined with a pulsating rhythm of spontaneous creativity. e.w. brings an unpredictably sweet edge to a raw and delving narrative. At the same time he maintains an honest and reverent poetic undertow... soothing yet moving, challenging the senses.
- Mario DePriest, Singer, Songwriter, Recording Artist
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emmett wheatfall’s talent brings out a perfect combination of anger, tears and joy. His poetry stirs up every emotion and encourages us to dig deep into our own thoughts and ideas about love, life and humanity.
- Becky Due, Author
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It is rare in life that one finds their true creative calling, let alone nurtures and develops it into something larger then one’s self. I know of such a person and his name is emmett wheatfall.
What has been unleashed is a tremendous passion and respect for the craft of poetry. emmett’s poems are storytelling at its finest—the reader becomes a part of his world, his thoughts and his feelings. Each word, phrase, period, comma and dash all play an important part of each and every poem. The reader is left with a multitude of emotions. Most importantly, the reader is left with knowing more about the poet himself. emmett holds nothing back and I believe it is this very reason that makes his poems so special and allows the reader to relate to their deeper meaning.
Such a special gift and journey can only be summed up in one phrase…poetry in motion. I look forward to what the future holds for emmett, and I believe it is a glorious one.
- Carolyn J. Lee, Conference Coordinator
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How can I possibly speak to the power of emmett wheatfall’s poetry? His poetry touches me in ways I did not know I could hear and feel. His words speak to me physically, spiritually, and emotionally. His poetry makes me long for what I know to be poetically true. Thank you, beloved poet and true Renaissance man.
- Jeanne Farr, Coexistence Collaborative Founder and Trainer
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I have been blessed with the opportunity to be at the ground level of emmett's creative journey. I was there in the studio during the recording of the CD and I witnessed a man with passion, drive, determination and believability. He puts you square in the middle of the poetry he is reciting. He is riveting in his delivery and eclectic in his material. With the added addition of the jazz music background, it is an experience like none I have had before. He truly is worth listening to and hearing from! Excellent and well done emmett!
- Tony Sibley, Professional Photographer
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emmett has an amazing gift for painting touching stories through a mastery of his insightful words. His powerful voice brings such wonderful emotion to the words and brings joy to my ears and touches my heart. Don't stop emmett! Keep painting my friend!
emmett has an amazing gift for painting touching stories through a mastery of his insightful words. His powerful voice brings such wonderful emotion to the words and brings joy to my ears and touches my heart. Don't stop emmett! Keep painting my friend!
- J.J. Taylor Peters, Human Resources Manager
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Piercing to the soul, separating emotions from personality, exposing the true inner you to something greater.
- Everette Rice, Social Activist
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I really admire emmett for stepping out and showcasing his creative talent. emmett is intellectual, philosophical, vulnerable, comical… inspiring.
- Jalanda Swain, Friend
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emmett wheatfalls words are like the weather - sometimes sunny, sometimes rainy misty; occasionally foggy with a chance of hail and ice. Sometimes, a soul-shaking thunderclap in a cloudless sky. That's what I'd tell people...that's the inspiration that found me listening to you.
- Patrick Angstrom Poore, Lingquist
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emmett is incredibly intelligent and is an amazing asset in the literary field. I first met emmett when he published a mindful poem in the Facebook poetry forum. Not only he did conquer the literary field of poetry and publishing, but he also managed to organize a spoken affirmation to an audience and has inspired many friends.
- Felicia Floresca, Writer
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It's been a pleasure to watch emmett perform his spoken word not once but twice. I also enjoy listening to his CD titled "When I Was Young." His poems tell stories people have experienced or know someone that has. There is something about his poetry that makes the listeners pay attention to with or without music...He has a way of capturing the reader's imagination or the listener's ear. I always look forward to hearing his spoken word and poetry readings...
- LaShonda Laws, Poet
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… his poetry is just another aspect of his unique ability to communicate thoughts and ideas. He invokes political, spiritual, and intellectual discourse in his writings that are timely. emmett provides an excellent voice in this dialogue.
- John Garlington, Social Activist
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“emmett’s poetry is art worth remembering. Soulful, provocative, and straight-to the point-honest, his poetry demonstrates a natural talent to deliver brilliant imagery and cleverly-constructed prose. The poetry of emmett wheatfall is deep, refreshing, and vibrant, causing one to read far into the midnight hours.”
- Brittany Nakasone, Poetry Editor
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Once again, thank you for the spoken word; you tore the house down. You were a real hit with our guests. God bless you!
- Clifford and Judy McAffee, Friends
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http://wweek.com/events/3616/8/
http://latinsoulketr.blogspot.com/
“I write to appease the creative hunger raging in my soul.” –emmett wheatfall
"A poem written by me must stand on its own merit. If not, let it fall and I will erect another one until it stands, then another, and another..." –emmett wheatfall
“It's way too late in life for me to master the mastery of the great poets who precede me; therefore, I must unmask my own.” –emmett wheatfall
Piercing to the soul, separating emotions from personality, exposing the true inner you to something greater.
- Everette Rice, Social Activist
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I really admire emmett for stepping out and showcasing his creative talent. emmett is intellectual, philosophical, vulnerable, comical… inspiring.
- Jalanda Swain, Friend
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emmett wheatfalls words are like the weather - sometimes sunny, sometimes rainy misty; occasionally foggy with a chance of hail and ice. Sometimes, a soul-shaking thunderclap in a cloudless sky. That's what I'd tell people...that's the inspiration that found me listening to you.
- Patrick Angstrom Poore, Lingquist
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emmett is incredibly intelligent and is an amazing asset in the literary field. I first met emmett when he published a mindful poem in the Facebook poetry forum. Not only he did conquer the literary field of poetry and publishing, but he also managed to organize a spoken affirmation to an audience and has inspired many friends.
- Felicia Floresca, Writer
____________________
It's been a pleasure to watch emmett perform his spoken word not once but twice. I also enjoy listening to his CD titled "When I Was Young." His poems tell stories people have experienced or know someone that has. There is something about his poetry that makes the listeners pay attention to with or without music...He has a way of capturing the reader's imagination or the listener's ear. I always look forward to hearing his spoken word and poetry readings...
- LaShonda Laws, Poet
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… his poetry is just another aspect of his unique ability to communicate thoughts and ideas. He invokes political, spiritual, and intellectual discourse in his writings that are timely. emmett provides an excellent voice in this dialogue.
- John Garlington, Social Activist
____________________
“emmett’s poetry is art worth remembering. Soulful, provocative, and straight-to the point-honest, his poetry demonstrates a natural talent to deliver brilliant imagery and cleverly-constructed prose. The poetry of emmett wheatfall is deep, refreshing, and vibrant, causing one to read far into the midnight hours.”
- Brittany Nakasone, Poetry Editor
____________________
Once again, thank you for the spoken word; you tore the house down. You were a real hit with our guests. God bless you!
- Clifford and Judy McAffee, Friends
____________________
http://wweek.com/events/3616/8/
http://latinsoulketr.blogspot.com/
“I write to appease the creative hunger raging in my soul.” –emmett wheatfall
"A poem written by me must stand on its own merit. If not, let it fall and I will erect another one until it stands, then another, and another..." –emmett wheatfall
“It's way too late in life for me to master the mastery of the great poets who precede me; therefore, I must unmask my own.” –emmett wheatfall
