A Reading from Riff, the biography of Shake Keane by Philip Nanton
En Papillote is a series of readings by authors from the list of Papillote Press of Dominica and the UK. Each video is introduced by publisher Polly Pattullo. Here, Philip Nanton of St Vincent reads from his Shake Keane biography.
Launch of Riff: the Shake Keane Story by Philip Nanton
A celebration of the life and times of the jazz musician and poet Shake Keane to launch his biography by Philip Nanton. The video includes contributions from Philip Nanton (talking to Robert Lee), Roland Ramanan (talking to Kevin Le Gendre), Linton Kwesi Johnson and Jeremy Robson. Readings by Philip Nanton and Lafleur Cockburn.
What they say
– Kevin Le Gendre
This beautiful, evocative biography of Shake Keane explores with equal passion Keane’s double life as poet and musician and his innovation as a virtuoso in both art forms. Nanton brilliantly contextualises Keane’s life through the multiple lenses of Caribbean nationalism, post-war migration and the formation of Caribbean literary identity. A compelling and captivating read.
– Hannah Lowe
Riff charts the experiences of a gifted, learned Caribbean man who travels to London and cuts his teeth on the jazz scene of the 1950s and 1960s. Nanton’s book connects the brilliant musicians and poets of a thriving creative arts scene while navigating the triumphs and periodic lows of a great personality, poet and trumpet original.
– Julian Joseph
One feels from the passion of the writing that Philip Nanton was born to write this book, a tour de force that belongs on every Caribbean person’s bookshelf.
– Peter Laurie in Barbados Today For the full review read here.
So many jazz histories are, of course, studies in frustration, and Nanton is sensitive to his friend’s vulnerabilities and foibles. We’re reminded that Keane was a poet – music and words came together in his mind “blurring the boundaries between these two art forms,” Nanton says. “Formed as a creative being in St Vincent, but finding himself as an artist in London, Keane’s writing was ‘a poetry of displacement… the conundrum of home’.”
– Philip Clark – The Wire
This excellent book will help to ensure that his story won’t be forgotten.
– Richard Williams www.thebluemoment.com
– Kevin Le Gendre
– Hannah Lowe
Riff charts the experiences of a gifted, learned Caribbean man who travels to London and cuts his teeth on the jazz scene of the 1950s and 1960s. Nanton’s book connects the brilliant musicians and poets of a thriving creative arts scene while navigating the triumphs and periodic lows of a great personality, poet and trumpet original.”
– Julian Joseph
So many jazz histories are, of course, studies in frustration, and Nanton is sensitive to his friend’s vulnerabilities and foibles. We’re reminded that Keane was a poet – music and words came together in his mind “blurring the boundaries between these two art forms, Nanton says. Formed as a creative being in St Vincent, but finding himself as an artist in London, Keane’s writing was ‘a poetry of displacement… the conundrum of home’.”
– Philip Clark – The Wire
One feels from the passion of the writing that Philip Nanton was born to write this book, a tour de force that belongs on every Caribbean person’s bookshelf.”
– Peter Laurie in Barbados Today For the full review read here.
This excellent book will help to ensure that his story won’t be forgotten.
– Richard Williams www.thebluemoment.com
About the Author
Philip Nanton
Philip Nanton was born in St Vincent & the Grenadines and lived for many years in England before moving to Barbados in 2000. He has presented programmes for BBC radio and his work has appeared in regional journals and literary magazines.
About the Author
Philip Nanton
Philip Nanton was born in St Vincent & the Grenadines and lived for many years in England before moving to Barbados in 2000. He has presented programmes for BBC radio and his work has appeared in regional journals and literary magazines.
