“I used to think my right hand was uglier then my left. So I’d punish my right hand, not my left. I used to bite the knuckle of that hand. Because my right hand was so much uglier then my left”
I love his delivery. It’s so hep man.
“So I figure the next idea I had is gunna go because it’s much simpler. It’s a bury it yourself time capsule. I’m going to sell it in drug stores and… ahh… places like that… Not in airports, but places where they’d be interested.”
The music in the background of many of his works were so smooth.
Ken Nordine rocks. I love the “Walrus and the Carpenter” bit he did in one show. I’ve gotten a few Word Jazz bits off certain services and I love listening to them. Never found anyone else who really appreciated them.
I’ve been a fan for years.
Colors is the best, and was my first introduction to KN.
A local DJ from a college station used to play Ken’s stuff. One day I was working at a jobsite and “Burgundy” started playing. It piqued my interest, enough to crane my head for a better listen. I thought it was some really crazy stuff!
“Yellow” is my favorite. Yellow wept yellow tears, for several eternals, before there were years…
“Faces in the Jazzmataz” is a truly great one too.
I know Nordine for his contributions to the fabulous Stay Awake compilation album and for one weird track of his where he talked about snacking in the middle of the night, replete with sounds of Nordine eating.
Another Nordine fan here. Wonderful voice, and excellent background music. I have Colors and volume 1 of Word Jazz. I especially like Flibberty Jib: “We lived through the boredom of the time that followed, telling each other pale stories of what once was, and what might have been if. . . .”
Years ago I heard a piece that I’m almost sure was Nordine (who else has that voice?), but I’ve never found it since. Something about the Junkman, in his scattered yard, with a rusting headpiece, or something. I obviously don’t remember it clearly. I liked it, and would try to buy the CD if I knew what CD it’s on. Anyone know what I’m talking about?
MrO: I’m not absolutely sure if it’s the same piece you are talking about, but there is track called “Junk man” on the “Son of Word Jazz” album. The only version still being produced is on a 2-cassette compilation which includes Word Jazz, Son of Word Jazz, Next, and Word Jazz Vol II. It is available on the Official Word Jazz site. I have also seen the used LP available from some collector sources, running from $10 to $80.