Music @ The Collective
Some happy dances are about to be hard! The Snarlin’ Yarns will be playing for our Music @ The Collective series on August 1st from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Want to learn some more about this incredible group??
The Snarlin’ Yarns are now, but old. They’ve learned their songs well, following not in the steps but spirit of Guthrie (Woodrow), Holy Modal Rounders, and Bad Livers. Joining the Alt-grass/country ranks of Truckstop Honeymoon and Freakwater and whatever’s next. Maybe Almost-bluegrass?

The Snarlin’ Yarns are fiddle-banjo-guitar-uke-bass that gel instead of engaging in the instrumental break combat of modern bluegrass. The lyrics are smart (sorry bluegrass). The band has five, yes five, songwriters singing in one voice. And, then there’s the poet. How to adequately describe this. You should see a show. The Yarns play and tell a story. Instruments ring, voices harmonize. And, at just the right time Abraham Smith takes the mic to make up a poem on the spot. Sends the old star cruiser into hyperspace.
Of precedents that paved the way: Langston Hughes composing poems with the rhythm and repetition of Harlem-renaissance blues and jazz; 50s poets like Kenneth Rexroth or Lawrence Ferlinghetti reading to a jazz combo; Jack Kerouac and David Amram tossing the lead back and forth with words and interludes. It’s beat.
Smith’s poems are inspired by the song, not about the song. They’re beyond.