Wonderful work from Karen Gibson Roc — part singer, part poet — with a style that’s as hip as you might expect from such a blend! Karen’s approach is a bit like that of Ursula Rucker, although somewhat warmer overall — deeply personal in its lyrical content, and delivered over soulful backings that are heavy on keyboards, and a bit less so on beats — a setting that’s as rich in sound as Karen’s themes, often with a funky undercurrent that nods back towards hip soul poetry records of the 70s! Titles include “Some Other Place”, “Looking For The Light”, “Painted Room”, “Stranger Are The Days”, “It’s Time For Less Talk”, and “Live Awake”.

In the endless rain ,i’v been walking
like a poet feeling pain
trying to find the answers
trying to hide the tears
but it was just a circle
that never ends
when the rain stops,i’ll turned the page
the page of the first chapter .
—-X-Japan The last song

i see red，i see blue
but the siliver lining gradually takes over
when the moring begin
i’ll be in the next chapter —-X-Japan The last song

Have you seen the old man
In the closed-down market
Kicking up the paper,
with his worn out shoes?
In his eyes you see no pride
Hand held loosely at his side
Yesterday’s paper telling yesterday’s news

Chorus: So how can you tell me you’re lonely,
And say for you that the sun don’t shine?
Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London
I’ll show you something to make you change your mind (more…)

At the hotel coffee shop that morning,
the waitress was wearing a pink
uniform
with “Florence” written in script over her heart.
And the man who
checked my bag
had a badge that said “Ben.”
Behind him was a long row of
royal palms.
On the plane, two women poured drinks
from a cart they rolled
down the narrow aisle —
“Debbie” and “Lynn” according to their winged
tags. (more…)

Two Beds And A Coffee Machine
and she takes another step
slowly she opens the door
check that he is sleeping
pick up all the broken glass
and furniture on the floor
been up half the night screaming
now it’s time to get away
pack up the kids in the car
another bruise to try and hide (more…)