I know what IGLTA is and look for their members when I travel?

MENTION the word poetry and witness the cringe. What is it about this art form that makes us run? Published poet Terry Jaensch has a few answers.

"At school you're reading all these dead poets," says Jaensch, speaking by phone from his home in Daylesford.

"You learn about the craft aspects, the metre and the form, but the antiquated language makes it virtually impenetrable. I loved reading these poets but they're perhaps not the best place to start."

The Melbourne queer community is no stranger to spoken word performance. The Word Is Out program has been one of the highest attended events on the Midsumma Festival calendar for years.

Acknowledging this vigour, the producers of You Talkin’ to Me? have included a number of queer poets.

"We wanted to cross-hatch the scenes by including queer spoken word along with straight stuff," says Emilie Zoey Baker, co producer of the compilation CD.

"Apart from the fact that I really wanted women on it, we were very open from the start," she says.

Not unlike the world of stand up comedy, spoken word events are dominated by men.

"Its very intimidating to step up in front of an audience," says Baker. "I know when I first started I felt I had to be a certain way. I had to do things that were a little bit sexy and a little bit saucy for anyone to take notice."

On Talkin’ to Me?, Baker's poem SMS Me Baby, is delivered with raw, street savvy attitude.

"I don't have time to read anything but an SMS," she chants accompanied by rap artist Tuffy The Great White Spruiker.

"I don't want that land line tension, don't mention that extra phone extension."

"We want to make poetry rock ’n’ roll," says Baker, alluding to the poetry cringe factor.

"I've been doing this for about six years but I'm not sure what to call myself. I don't feel like a poet and I don't feel like a spoken word performer."

In this pro-sampling rap era, Bakers work probably falls somewhere in between the two genres.

The semantics of the art form do not concern Terry Jaensch. "As far I'm concerned it's all poetry, it just happens in different venues and in different forms," he says.

"I pretty much write for the page but because I have an acting background I ask basic acting questions of anything I have to read: Who are you talking to? Why, and what do you want from them?"

Jaensch, a student of the famous Stella Adler Conservatory in New York, is known for his emotionally driven, lively recitations. On You Talkin’ to Me? his poem Swing is delivered with a breathy whisper accompanied by some hauntingly abstracted string music.

"I basically whispered the poem," says Jaensch. "In a reading situation the microphone wouldn't be strong enough to pick that up. It was really nice to have the opportunity to do something a little bit different."

Of the 17 spoken-word-smiths featured on You Talkin’ to Me? there are a few familiar names. Richard Watts (Emilie calls him Sir Richard) offers a tongue in cheek lesson in a piece entitled How To Appreciate Poetry.

"Take a step back or take a seat," he says.

"Tilt your head in a contemplative manner, say Mmmm," he instructs backed by a looped industrial beat.

Highly acclaimed author Dorothy Porter (The Monkey's Mask) also appears on the CD. For effect, Porter's drier rendition, relies on the strength of her intention.

"Pine trees come most alive dripping with resin in a fire. I've got a hot date with death," she commands in the first line of her poem Hot Date.

While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, there is no denying the allure of poems showcased on You Talkin to Me? Sharp technical production, the inclusion of music and soundscape and a battery of fine spoken word talent, whet the appetite for a movement just beginning to get the attention it deserves. I love it.

You Talkin’ to Me? A Compilation of Melbourne Spoken Word and Music is available at Polyester and Sister Ray stores in Brunswick St, Fitzroy or Collector Corner in the city. Details: youtalkintome@placeboma.com

Buoy by Terry Jaensch is available through Five Islands Press.

You Talkin’ to Me? official launch

Yelza, 245 Gertrude St, Fitzroy

September 5, 7.30pm

Details: 0414 796 022

Article reproduced with permission of BNews.