Last Word On First Blues

Internationally revered as a Beat Generation spokesman-Allen Ginsberg's poetry is an iconic part of the counterculture spanning decades. His 1956 epic poem Howl inspired the songwriting of Bob Dylan (and others), as well as the 1960s hippies. Punk rock also claimed him as an infl uence-including recording with The Clash on Combat Rock. In 1971, Allen called on Bob Dylan to record a slew of songs: political, gay rights, and just plain wacky! Along for the ride was Jack Kerouac's musical partner David Amram, Happy Traum, and a young avant-garde cellist; Arthur Russell. Allen was lyricist, composer, and lead vocalist! These 1971 recordings remained dormant until 1983 when they were released as First Blues-coupled with 1976 sessions produced by Columbia Records exec. John Hammond, and 1981 sessions. Along the way, Beat Generation legend Peter Orlovsky and Rolling Thunder Revue sideman David Mansfi eld joined the festivities too. There's a full color 28-page booklet of rare photos, writings, and drawings from Ginsberg's Archives, an essay from set producer Pat Thomas, featuring interviews with original participants.