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Simon Warner's avatar

Yes, David Amram is a musician first and foremost and one of the highest order. But I would tend to disagree, Vincent, with your slightly dismissive regard to his writing. I personally found, for example, Offbeat: Collaborating with Jack Kerouac, a terrific read and a compelling and personal account of his rare friendship with the author.

Tony Frisco's avatar

Wish I was there. The counterculture forged me Asa aspirant actor- dancer -poet - rocker by my associations with McClure, Brautigan- Kesey Neal Cassady. LenoreKandel - Joanne Kyger. BobKaufman’sBEATITUDE was a major influence and they all trace their lineage back to AmRam

& and his ceaseless yet humble contributions to art and society. Frisco Tony

Simon Warner's avatar

Well said, sir!

vincent tinguely's avatar

I have a Lawrence Ferlinghetti CD from the early 2000s, Lawrence reads his poetry while David Amram spontaneously accompanies it with various instruments – absolutely fantastic recording.

Amram's autobiographical reminiscence of Kerouac I found rather off-putting – he ain't a writer! – but he does offer some valuable insights into Kerouac's skills as an improv performer, and information on the wild scene of the NYC literary and jazz underground of the 50s.