In 2020, I read Geoff Butler’s book Lullabies for Seniors, illustrated with music notations. Hence, it was a pleasure to be able to pick up his latest self-published book A Troubadour’s Journey from medieval time to the present day and age.
In March 2020, the Kings Theatre presented a film on his art, Off the Beaten Path by DT Siddharhtha Fraser, and a second short film by Tim Wilson. I have checked online, but so far, I have been unable to find a link to either film.
Three days later, WHO announced the COVID-19 pandemic. In Butler’s Words:
‘Now in 2022, and with the phenomenal speedy development of vaccines, a new day brightens, and we can reflect, with 20/20 vision of hindsight on what we’ve been through since 2020.’ p.5.
‘My troubadour can also paint and draw as well as write songs and sing, not to mention capable of being resurrected from the dead’ p.8
‘Troubadours and like poet-musicians will continue to rise again, for there will always be need of music and rhyme.’ p.8.
Each story includes a painting, a story and a musical score.
Topics include:
A troubadour’s journey
Begone, fiend ! COVID -19
The COVID-19 skate routine
Behing the mask
Behind the glass
Clearcut
The good ship Hope
Butler combines current topics within a three dimensional artistic context: art, poetry and music. A refreshing ‘tour de force’.
Acknowledgements
The Authors Market provided the opportunity to discover self-published books. Thank you to Russell at MareGold.
References
Geoff Butler. 2020. Lullabies for Seniors : illustrated throughout with music notation. Self–published.
Geoff Butler. 2022. A Troubadour’s Journey from medieval times to the present day and age. Self-published.
Ernest Blair Experiment 