Few of her New York punk contemporaries have sustained a career like Patti Smith.
She is one of rock 'n' rolls great visionary geniuses, producing everything from classic gritty punk albums to published poetry. And more recently, she has explored a strong Sussex connection, spending time at Charleston Farmhouse, home to the Bloomsbury artists. Like them, Smith is a true Bohemian.
'The Coral Sea' iwas written as a poetic tribute to the great photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, a close friend of Smith, who died of complications from Aids in 1989. Unable to perform the poem solo, the emotion too powerful even for Smith, she has worked with My Bloody Valentine guitarist Kevin Shields. Known for producing loud, heavy guitar soundscapes, My Bloody Valentine were always part rock band, part art-house experiment.
Unable to perform the poem solo, the emotion too powerful even for Smith, she has worked with My Bloody Valentine guitarist Kevin Shields. Known for producing loud, heavy guitar soundscapes, My Bloody Valentine were always part rock band, part art-house experiment.
A new 'The Coral Sea' CD captures the pair live in two performances at the Royal Festival Hall, London, with Smith's powerful spoken word supported by swirling guitar lines and sounds. At times, Shields pulls deep, echoing organ sounds, at other times light, floating melodic lines. It's all improvised, and the two performances are noticeably different.
But both are emotional, epic and evocative; and capture the spirit and soul of two great performers and one great photographer.
'The Coral Sea' is available from Revolutionary Music, 9 Warwick Lane, Worthing.
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