Original Poem: The Insane Dog in the Alley
Sean MurphyAbandoned dog lying on the ground This is a sad poem about a sad situation (and one we're all familiar with, as it doesn't just pertain only to our canine…
The American Cauldron
America has always been a cauldron of inconsistencies; so often in our history we’ve ended up with brilliance, tolerance, and progress only after every other option has been exhausted. We’re…
Original Poem: Howlin’ Wolf’s Harp
It was a huge thrill to have my poem "Billie Holiday's Deathbed" published (and nominated for a Pushcart Prize) by Decolonial Passage and I'm equally happy to see my new…
Original Poem: Hagler vs. Hearns, 1985
My thanks to the excellent journal 805 Lit + Art for publishing my poem Hagler and Hearns, 1985. I'm especially grateful because, let's face it, arguably the only thing more…
The Centennial of Charles Mingus
Charles Mingus had many things to say, and he used his mouth, his pen, his fists, and mostly his music to say them. Of the myriad words that describe Mingus, passionate would…
The Blackened Blues LIVE: Poetry and Music with Sean Murphy and Quentin Walston
The Barns of Rose Hill partnered with 1455 Literary Arts for a special reading with Sean Murphy, who read from his new collection The Blackened Blues, accompanied by pianist Quentin…
A CONVERSATION WITH JENNA BLUM, AUTHOR OF ‘WOODROW ON THE BENCH’
Last night’s continuation of 1455’s Author Series was a profound pleasure on both professional and personal levels. I can accurately describe myself as both fan and friend of the extraordinary…
RIP Ian McDonald: MVP of the Best Prog Album Ever
If Ian McDonald had done nothing other than be a crucial (arguably the crucial) member of the band that, in 1969, recorded the album that launched a thousand pretentious, proggy,…
Original Poem: John Coltrane’s Ascent
Who wouldn't be published in a journal named The Decadent Review? I would (and fortunately, have already done so). As such, it's with great joy that I see my poem…
Original Poem: Thelonious Monk’s Moods
Coats and Hats / Thelonious Monk by Martel Chapman Once again gratitude to the good team at Jerry Jazz Musician for championing my work. This poem actually appeared late last…