Cristal Baschet

 

You might know it better as the theme tune to children's TV programme Picture Box, but in fact this is Manege, from Structures Sonores No4 by Lasry Baschet. It's played on the cristal baschet, or cristal as it's now known, an instrument that uses some of the same principles as the true glass harmonica, and which also approximates its otherworldly sound.

Second review

Rough with the smooth, and all that - this review of hydro... has appeared at Stride. Not sure I understand the Mel Gibson reference. I think it's to Braveheart, but I've never seen it, so it's hard to say.

First review

I'm very grateful to Spain-based UK poet Matthew Stewart for this very kind review of hydrodaktulopsychicharmonica on his blog Rogue Strands.

I'm delighted he highlighted the various historical strands, history remaining something of an obsession with me. Hopefully it will be the first of a few reviews - quite apart from the fact that they help to sell a book, it's a relief to get some outside opinions on a book that, during the writing process, you inevitably get far too close to.

Nominated

hydrodaktulopsychicharmonica is one of the nominations for the East Midlands Book Award 2010, alongside poets such as Mark Goodwin (nominated for both his Nine Arches Press and Shearsman volumes), Deborah Tyler-Bennett, John Gallas and Maxine Linnell. It's also a pleasure and an honour to be on any list with novelist Jon McGregor.

Leicester launch

Just a quick reminder that next Monday (13th December), is the Leicester launch of my new book, hydrodaktulopsychicharmonica, at the last Nine Arches Press Shindig of 2010 at the Looking Glass, 68-70 Braunstone Gate. Readings start at 7.30pm, and entry is free.

There’ll also be readings from Alan Baker (who as well as being a fine poet with a new book forthcoming from Skysill Press is the founder and co-editor of Leafe Press, and editor of Litter), Marilyn Ricci (whose excellent HappenStance pamphlet Rebuilding A Number 39 was published in 2008), and Malcolm Dewhirst (Tamworth-based poet, writer and filmmaker, who project manages Polesworth’s Poets Trail).

As always, there’ll be plenty of open mic slots available, so sign up on the door if you’d like to take part.

How to buy hydrodaktulopsychicharmonica

Following Sunday's launch in Nottingham, you can now buy hydrodaktulopsychicharmonica for £9 through the Nine Arches Press website here, in conjunction with Throckmorton's Bookshop, Atherstone.

Just click on its cover (or that of any of the other excellent Nine Arches titles), and follow the instructions. If you're an international customer, you'll need to contact Throckmorton's here to get an accurate postage price.

Alternatively, you can pay by cheque, payable to Nine Arches Press, sent to this address.

Over the next few weeks, I'm going to be developing this blog to include some brief introductions to the poems, reviews, idle chit-chat and a little bit of glass harmonica trivia. It's very much a work in progress for now, so bear with me.

Out now!

hydrodaktulopsychicharmonica is out now from Nine Arches Press, priced £9.

Visit the Nine Arches site now to buy it or titles by the likes of David Morley, Simon Turner, Claire Crowther, Roz Goddard, Jane Holland, Myra Connell, Matt Nunn and many more, for further information on Under The Radar magazine, or for details of forthcoming readings and workshops.