Progarchists, it is well worth owning a copy of Steve Babb’s first book of poetry, The Lay of Lirazel.
Not surprisingly, given his intelligence and creativity as revealed over and over again in his work with Glass Hammer, Babb has tapped into the spirit of J.R.R. Tolkien with this book. Indeed, imagine Tolkien as a lyricist for a prog band, and you’d have Steve Babb. It would not be hyperbolic to claim this Lay is the sequel to Tolkien’s earliest writings, begun almost exactly a century ago–much of it in the trenches of France during the First World War.
Babb’s book has everything: drama, mystery, love, horror, and honor. In particular, though, one can sense the rhythm and lilt of the poem. I’m not sure if it makes me proud to be a lover of poetry or a lover of prog? Of course, it makes me proud to be both. Still, I’m not sure if the flow is prog, or if prog’s flow is poetic.
Too little poetry is published and almost never in the form of a lay. Babb has proven his creativity repeatedly in his music and his lyrics. As I’ve gotten to know Steve over the past two years, I can also state he is a man whose integrity matches his creativity.
What I now hold in my hands is a thing of beauty. Congratulations, Steve. Like Neil Peart, you never stop. You not only get better and better in your craft, but you also take your experience into other realms.
All to the good.
Progarchy 