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Clark
Gormley,
'Turn of Phrase: poems, stories & stuff'
Reviewed by Robin Archbold
[ buy book info ]
 Any
writer who constructs a word like 'insinnuendo' instantly has my
attention. Clark Gormley, mild-mannered engineer by profession,
has unveiled a range of talents in his book and CD 'Turn Of Phrase'
that should cheer the sentiments and intellect of those lucky enough
to encounter them. Plaintive, whimsical, romantic, comical and
empathetic,
Clark takes you on an unexpected journey to the nicest parts of
your psyche. The man's a button-pusher. You just want to take him
home
and get to know him.
His music segues from Dylan to bluegrass to country to ballad it's
simple, easy on the ear and complements his clear vocals perfectly.
He comes across as an ordinary bloke doing something quite extraordinary,
taking everyday situations and emotional concepts,
slipping them under your pillow and allowing them to filter into your consciousness
so you find yourself humming along on your way to work, or suddenly smiling
as a Clarkism catches you by surprise.
'Turn
Of Phrase' utterly captures the essence of his writing, evoking shades
of Ogden Nash and Tom Lehrer. Modesty,
self-deprecation and
sympathy for the little guy suffuse his writing: "I could travel
incognito but what would be the use?" from 'Jane Citizen' is
full of pathos and humour, and you would swear Bob Dylan is helping
out on 'Something I've been meaning to say'.
 Clark Gormley fits no genre apart from his own. To see him perform
live in an intimate venue is one of life's great pleasures. He sneaks
up on you then seduces you. 'The Herbal Tea Waltz' is one of the
most beautiful and moving offerings of friendship I have ever heard.
Anyone who has ever had a broken heart will be deeply affected. Clark's
work goes straight to the heart and the funnybone, and if you have
a sharp literary bent then he's your man. It's a lethal and charming
blend of the various arts, and quite unique.
Have a listen and a read. If you get the chance to see him in person,
treat yourself. He's an unheralded treasure.
—Robin
Archbold is performance poet, writer and singer who doubles as
a real estate agent in the wacky alternative lifestyle village
of Nimbin, and genesis/sponsor of The Nimbin Performance Poetry World
Cup amongst other dubious activities.
Purchase
Information
'Turn
of Phrase
- poems songs, stories & stuff'
Author - Clark Gormley
72 pages, self-published
ISBN 0-9581727-0-6
rrp $10 including GST
Note:
There is an accompanying CD also titled 'Turn of Phrase'. The CD
comprises of two spoken word pieces and ten songs. The book has
the words to these pieces, along with many others. The chords
for
the music are also included.
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