ASK ROD |
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Photograph by Bob Gentry 8/5/99
A Thought for Today
While the fast lane gets you there the soonest, you see and
learn more by choosing the outside lane.
A PERSONAL NOTE
Before I tackle letters today, I'd like to say a few words about tara Scofield-Learning
who some time ago established a Message Board in my name, where people who truly cared
about my work could meet, exchange ideas, agree to disagree and become lasting friends . .
. because her efforts brought like people together.
tara is a woman of passion and intellect and that she would put so much effort into making
sure I was represented on the web, long before I even dreamed about having my own site, is
one of the nicest compliments I have ever been paid. And, I have met so many nice people
and forged lasting relationships because of her MB.
Now that she has turned her considerable talent to other ventures, I'm sure I join
everyone else who felt her thoughtful and beautiful message board was THE meeting place,
not just for McKuen fans, but for all of us who seek a kinder more gentle world. Not to
mention nice people.
I'll never forget her hard work and the many kindnesses she and Bill showed all of us at
Stanyan. I'm sure Dwight would acknowledge that Bill was his inspiration for becoming a
programmer. It was The Message Board that helped Ken track me down and talk me into having
my own site.
Wade has found much thought provoking material on The Message Board that has triggered
great conversations and exchange of thoughts between us.
I was saddened by the loss of the MB and the attendant tara sites, especially Johan's
exhaustive list of McKuen Collectibles (some of which I never knew about myself.) So to be
able to report that tara has elected to let it go on under the leadership of Melinda Smith
and Jay Hagan really pleases me. And it has a brand new title. The Rod McKuen Message
Center.
To fill the void left by the loss of 'our gang's meeting place' Dwight Michaels started
The Stanyan By Mail Message Board and a Chat Room. Both have taken off with lots visitors
- both old friends and new have stopped by,
So, now we have two meeting places, The Message Center and The Message Board, and I look
forward to the peaceful co-existence of both sites. To those of you who have visited
either or both sites recently, welcome and thanks. To those who have yet to stop by, give
a look or post a note. I'll be dropping in from time to time on both The Message Board
& The Center.
Click here for: The Rod McKuen Message Center
Click here for: Stanyan By Mail
Message Board
Again thanks to tara, for making the original experience possible and many thanks to
Melinda, Jay and Dwight for being willing to carry it forward. Rumor has it that tara will
be back soon with a site for the witty and talented Richard Brautigan. The late poet
couldn't have a better friend or spokesperson. Naturally we all wish her the best of
success in this new venture. Love, Rod
ASK ROD
Rod, This is a short note in acknowledgement of your help and
inspiration over the past twenty-five years. I am a psychiatric nurse in the UK.
Originally from Belfast (where I was lucky enough to see you perform) I Started on my
personal journey with you after getting a library copy of the 1969 birthday concert. I
progressed to books of poems and of course, Finding my Father.
My collection has inspired me over the years and I tend to re read the old favourites
often. I have replaced my collection several times as people tend to keep the books but I
don't mind, as each search is a new adventure.
I know at least one person and suspect that several others owe their lives to you. I have
introduced your poems many times to the depressed and dysarticulate who found the
expression they sought from within the words. You simply have the knack of giving voice to
human emotion in a way that people can easily relate to.
On behalf of those individuals who, unfortunately must remain
unnamed, I express my gratitude for your words. For myself, I cannot express adequately
the joy, inspiration and love you help me feel. I can only say "Thank you" My
single regret is that we have not met face to face and probably never will but I live in
hope.... Ian Murray
Dear Ian, Thanks for your very thoughtful letter. What you are doing with your life is
very important, necessary and I'm sure challenging work. It must be frustrating and
difficult at times too.
I'm proud of the fact that my writing seems to have helped some people, but by no means
egotistical enough to think what I write is that important. It's how people like you use
it and suggest its use that makes the difference. So please don't ignore your
contribution.
I hope we do meet one day, Ian. Perhaps next year when I get around to touring. Meanwhile
thanks for a letter that means a lot to me. With affection, Rod
TWO AGAINST THE MORNING -1
Hi Rod, Just a question concerning the album you recorded together
with Dutch singer Liesbeth List in 1972. Two Against The Morning is a great double-album
with a few songs I haven't encountered on any other album.
Are there any plans of ever releasing this album onto CD, because especially here in
Holland there would be attention for such a recording, seeing the fact that Liesbeth List
is still a big celebrity around these parts of the world. Currently she stars in the lead
part in a musical about the life and times of Edith Piaf.
Also the fact that it is a great album, the title song is a special favourite of mine, it
is such a great song. Also the October Odyssey sung by the two of you is great, a
beautiful translation. I hope you will take the time to read my questions and that you
will have some time to send me a reply. It would mean a great deal to me. And remember,
releasing this album on CD, would of course be a great opportunity to visit Holland once
more, wouldn't it? For a concert or so. . .
Rod, thanks for reading this and hoping to hear from you. Kindest regards, wishing you
good health and a long life. Ivo van Dijck.
TWO AGAINST THE MORNING-2
Hi Rod, Been some time since I last wrote to you. I'm Ivo van Dijck,
Netherlands. This weekend I found your double-album "Live in London", the
concert at the Palladium at a Record Fair in my neighbourhood. You can imagine, my weekend
was made!
What I wanted to ask: Next Friday in our radio-show Nice 'n Easy here on local radio,
we're doing a special on your double album "Two Against The Morning" you
recorded with Dutch singer Liesbeth List. Do you have any special recollections about
recording this album with her Have you heard or seen her ever since?
She currently stars here in Holland as Edith Piaf in the musical of the same name. She is
still doing great around here. I would like to hear from you about some thoughts
surrounding this album and if I may, I would like to share them with our listeners. Hope
to hear from you. Wishing you good health and a real good life and hope to see you some
time in Holland. Ivo van Dijck
Dear Ivo, after receiving your latest letter, I suddenly realized I owed you an answer
from the first. My apologies for not doing so sooner.
"Two Against The Morning" was a work of love from the time I got the idea for it
to the very last vocal we made to complete it. Liesbeth and I recorded that album way back
in 1972 and I must admit I hadn't heard it in a long time. Because of your letters I went
back and relistened to the whole thing in one sitting and over the past few days have
replayed many of the individual songs.
I must tell you rehearing "Two Against The Morning" brought back such wonderful
memories of how the album was created and recorded and the fun we had doing it. Liesbeth
came from Holland with Cees Nooteboom and stayed with me here in California for several
weeks. During that time we selected songs I had already written and I wrote special new
material for her. I even wrote additional lyrics to some of my existing songs especially
for her.
We had a great time and worked very hard. It wasn't originally planned as a double album,
but both of us had so many songs we felt we just couldn't let go of that it wound up being
a double LP with 28 selections. 7 duets, 11 solo's by Liesbeth and 10 by me. Seven of
Europe and America's best arrangers contributed their talents to "Two Against The
Morning." It was recorded over several months in England and my own studio in the
USA.
My biggest overall memory of working with her is how much of a professional she is and how
much she cares about her work. And, of course I admire her acting ability. I hope I'm
fortunate enough to see her as Edith Piaf and if not that someone will record a CD of her
in the role. "Two Against The Morning" was to be Liesbeth's first English
language album and she was concerned about her accent and inflections. As you know by
hearing the finished product, she had little to worry about.
Over the years "Two Against The Morning" has become a highly collectable album
both in the US (where a single LP was finally released) and all over Europe where the
double LP still turns up at sales and auctions. Jay Hagan recently commented on and
printed the lyrics to "Psalm#365" that I had forgotten writing. "Still We
Go On," "And So Goodbye, 2" and the title song are among other tracks from
the album that have never appeared anywhere else.
Thanks for reminding me of the album, Ivo. I think a release on CD would be a great idea.
I'll pass it along to the label that represents me in Holland, BR Records.
To give those of you unfamiliar with Liesbeth List an idea of how much I appreciate her
and how she's revered in Holland, here's a paragraph I wrote for the liner notes.
"Liesbeth List doesn't need Rod McKuen. Every man in every one of her audiences falls
in love with her every time she gives a concert. Some of those men have had a profound
influence on her - Brel, Theodorakis and the brilliant Ramses Shaffy - Pierre Barouh, who
first introduced me to her and Bill Duys, a philosopher and friend who always believed,
along with me, that Liesbeth in any language, spelled quality. I suspect, too, that
Liesbeth has had a profound influence on all of us."
Again, Ivo, I love your suggestion of putting "Two Against The Morning" on CD.
Let's hope it happens. Cheers, Rod
THANKS
No questions my good man--but grateful appreciation for all the
years and all the words since Stanyan Street and Other Sorrows -- for teaching us about
love and for hooking my heart to the concept and depth that love entails---love is the
only answer and the only way---my heart and my soul touch yours always to you I send the
light---the love and rainbows and rainbows of blessings thank you so much. Hank
Dear Hank, Back at ya! Rod
SPOKEN WORD CD's
Hi Rod. I've dropped you a note before and I can't tell you how
wonderful it is to hear from you each day at ASPTL. It's like coming home to an old
friend. While I enjoy your music, I love YOUR speaking voice and love to hear you recite
your own poetry, as you do on "Listen to the Warm." Can you tell me what other
CD's are primarily you reciting your poems? Thank you so much - hope to see you in person
sometime. Deb.
Dear Deb, Thanks for the words of appreciation. Other spoken word CD's include
"Speaking of Love," "Lonesome Cities" and "Beatsville." One
of my earliest spoken word albums is available on cassette and is titled "In Search
of Eros." All are available from Stanyan By Mail. There is a direct link to it on the
Home Page. Thanks again for the nice words. Rod
COMFORT
Dear Rod, I am very skeptical if I am writing directly to you, but I
have a feeling that you have much more integrity to have someone pose as you.
Anyway what I am writing you about is my best friend was killed in a car accident Sept 10,
1999 11:06 AM, she was only 20, but a complete woman at that. She was painting a mural on
her wall of flowers and butterflies and above this garden she had painted your poem
"Comfort." The first time I read it was on her wall. She loved your work one of
her favorites was "Listen to the Warm".
To me she was my inspiration for life. You inspired her. Just thought you should know. One
other thing how would I get a copy of "Comfort" for myself? Thank you for your
words, Wendy
Dear Wendy, I'm very sorry to hear about your friends death. It seems like such a waste,
especially when someone so young has their life taken. I appreciate your writing to me
about her and telling me she liked my work.
So that you can have a copy for yourself, I'm printing "Comfort" as today's
poem. Though I know nothing can ease the pain of losing a friend, I hope this helps heal a
little. My affection and love, Rod.
I hope all of you have an easy Monday. I'll be back tomorrow with more questions and
answers. Meanwhile, sleep warm.
- RM 10/18/99 Previously unpublished. |
