THIRTEEN KINDS OF DESIRE
An intimate, compelling,
jazz-odyssey of song, revised myths,
and contemporary story-telling.
"Oh, this just has to be danced."
— Waylene Carol, Art Agent
Pulitzer Prize winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa and internationally acclaimed jazz singer Pamela Knowles
join forces in this collection of thirteen original compositions produced and co-composed by Knowles.
“The forces of fate have brought the two masters of their respective fields together in a highly successful collaborative effort.
The songs recount old myths and contemporary storytelling in a form of modern jazz that brings the lyrics right up to here and now - and right into our lives.”
— Chicago Humanities Festival
“Soothing and invigorating modern jazz, never too far out but bursting
with color and sweetness all the same.
Smart and sharp, this is an excellent CD.”
— Drum Media
“Husky, mysterious, playful, clear, and swinging-
it’s Thirteen Kinds of engagement.”
— Steve Raith, NPR
"They say
There are thirteen
Kinds of desire
One's lit by fire
All the others
Will break your heart
If you take away the fire
The ice burns beneath
The moon glow
Need ignites
Since I last saw you
It has come and gone
And I'm left alone Weighing right in one hand
And wrong in the other
A euphoria
Cornucopia
At daybreak"
“It's brilliance is unmistakable. Knowles serves up perfectly some of the most arresting lyrics ever penned.”
— Thomas Stauter, Fairfield County Weekly
"It was a night like this
All lit with indigo and mist Overlooking the midnight Seine
Or maybe it was at Le Vesinet
I think I saw her slowly
Walking her leopard Chiquita"
Mirage, A Tribute to Josephine Baker
"Neither codifies the status quo nor indulges in gibberish
but rather offers a rare glimpse into the terrible fire of experience. No one is writing like Yusef Komunyakaa today."
— Library Journal
...met at a jazz festival in Sydney, Australia where they were both performing.
While backstage, Knowles heard Komunyakaa recite his poetry backed by a jazz pianist, and was inspired to take her music in a new direction.
Knowles asked Komunyakaa to meet for coffee, and the two did so regularly over the next six weeks. They spoke about jazz, art, and life — their conversations becoming poetry in the hands of Komunyakaa and lyrics in the mouth of Knowles. This unexpected collaboration became "Thirteen Kinds of Desire".
"Her voice is like an expensive glass of wine — full-bodied, complex, and delicious."
— Time Off
“I am stunned and grateful for this collection,
which anchors poetry in song, song in passion,
and passion in our humanity.”