The Elusive Resurrection

Times of great trouble in this world. Times, also, of great inspiration. And of great hope.

Hear “The Elusive Resurrection”, from Newfoundland poet Al Pittman’s first collection (Brunswick Press, 1966*):

“Oh for the strength
the indomitable courage
to cast away
this shroud
and leap to life
to run and sing
to free these lips
that now do nothing
but argue
and would kiss
to reach
into the sun and stars
and grasp
what little of heaven
has been given us
to devour”

Another NL great, singer-songwriter Ron Hynes, turned a poem from Pittman’s final collection, “Thirty-for-Sixty”, (published by Breakwater Books in 1999*), into a song. Musician Allison Crowe, home in Corner Brook, NL, where Al Pittman grew up, delivers here the essence of those words:

* Both poems appears in Breakwater’s 2015 release “Al Pittman: Collected Poetry”.

Celebrating Al Pittman

April 11, today, marks the 75th anniversary of the birth of legendary Canadian writer Al Pittman (who passed away in 2001). Born in St. Leonard's, Placentia Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, the cherished poet and playwright grew up in Corner Brook – home to musician Allison Crowe.



30 for 60 from Allison Crowe on Vimeo.

From Pittman’s 1999 selection of poetry, “Thirty for Sixty”, Newfoundland’s “Man of 1000 Songs” Ron Hynes set words to music – and a tradition of artistic regeneration is on deck once again here with Allison’s take on this elegiac hybrid.

King's in the Kitty

Elvis Aaron Presley’s born on this day, January 8, in 1935. Shuffling the video deck in tribute, here’s Allison Crowe dealing musical cards from Newfoundland singer-songwriter Ron Hynes and poet Al Pittman – “and life's about chances” – “30 for 60”:

30 for 60

Dealing from the deck of "Newfoundland Vinyl II" - Allison Crowe lays down "30 for 60" - suiting the existential gambit of Ron Hynes and the late Al Pittman.