Exploring Kensington And Unearthing Inspiration

Poetry By The Pound (and others too)

Well I'm back in London for a little over a week and I plan to do some mixing on the still untitled LYRE debut album (LYRE is the band name I perform under whether solo or with other musicians), network with local bookers and venue owners about playing a club tour this fall, and spend some quality time with my sweetheart. This weekend it's all about the latter.

The highlight of today was taking a London Walks tour of Old Kensington, London's Royal Village. Since we always stay in Kensington and it basically feels like our neighborhood in London, I thought it would be great to find out more about the history. It was amazing and more than I can relay in one blog post so I'll just post a few photos and point out the one aspect I found particularly inspiring.

It seems that two of recent history's famous poets, T.S. Eliot, and Ezra Pound lived in Kensington during their heydays. In fact it seems quite amazing, but Pound's widow still lives in the same house and can be seen through the curtains at night moving among his books and photos.

You might well ask why all this means anything to me. It's just this. Both poets were American by birth, as am I, and both found a profound creative connection with London, and I have too. I'm not trying to say that any of my lyrics are as important or timeless as these literary giants' works - yet. But who knows what I might achieve if I only keep applying myself to growing as a writer of the musical poems we call songs.

There's something for me in London. Something bigger than a good time making short excursions and playing a handful of shows at a time. I felt it the first time I walked these ancient streets, and I feel it reenforced everywhere I go in this great city.

I guess that's enough for now. More to come.

Cheers,

Dave