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"A writer may describe the ugliness and pain in graphic terms but he
can also try to find the dignity and significance in ruined parts of
the city in the people he sees there." --Don DeLillo, regarding urban
scenes in the novel Great Jones Street. The best writers do this very effectively, even if not without effort. The very best often weather negative scrutiny -- even derision -- to further pursue the muse too persistent to really leave forever. I went to a live Seven Mary Three show this past Monday night -- categorically, one of the best I've ever seen. I was able to meet everyone and get autographs, pictures; something I have never really cared to do with any band, ever. Perhaps the most intimidating part of it all was meeting Jason Ross, shaking his hand. Not imposing in stature or demeanor: dressed in a torn Wrathchild tee-shirt that had seen its better days nearly a decade ago, tan cords and Chuck Taylors, he could've been a guy walking up to mow my lawn for $50. Immaterial: I was meeting arguably one of the greatest and most underrated poets of my generation. Finding dignity where it's seldom sought in illusive hope, ...This Kansas wheat won't break us and another drink won't make us free. The oven's wide open, hold your breath and see. Hold your breath and see... (Oven, Rock Crown) and uncomfortable distinction, ...The way his arms float around his cage, he's caged; canary sings, silently brings, his voice to rage. The way they stop and stare, the way they turn their heads; it's enough to make him want to run away. But he stays, he stands his ground... (Lame, American Standard), Jason Ross consistently glorifies an entire faction of outsiders, dreamers and social misfits; makes them downright beautiful. He is one of the most prolific and eloquent purveyors of the real human element of this era in all its variant shades and hues, and he creates an ever-evolving personal musical tapestry. His distinctly Southern flair for telling a story of poignancy laced with dignity is reminiscent of Blue Roses and Streetcars. In contrast to the more open and boisterous personalities of the other members of the band, Ross is sometimes perceived by fans as comparatively unapproachable. He is admittedly quieter and more reserved, though (for my experience) just as kind. He seems a little stunned by the assertion that he is among the greatest contemporary poets of our generation. In fact he seems genuinely demurred, Thank you very much, he interjects to the question of whether some of the setbacks they've endured as a band coupled with what outwardly appears as his own reticence of being a 'rock star' make his writing talent seem sometimes as much a curse as a gift. I wouldn't say that at all. I knew early on I had to find some way to express myself creatively; if it was film, music, writing...whatever. This happened to be where (my creativity) went. But I feel very fortunate to still be doing this, even if it is sometimes a little overwhelming. Defining the most personally painful and simultaneously quiet facets of loving someone up close, too young, ...Do you think it's just enough to know how I wanted you to feel. Read things back to me, back up to see from where I am. There is nothing more than this, more than this. Is it enough to say that I want you to keep it close to me? Me, me is all I think about, but every word you say. Do I mean anything?... (Anything, American Standard) and from far away as a grown-up, ...You invent for me a usefulness And Ive started getting used to it: What I miss when Im not there... (By Your Side, Dis/location) Ross's writing revels in universal experiences few are willing to admit, let alone embrace. Continued On Next Page (Seven mary three, Page 2) ... AUTHOR: Robin Sisson  TAGS: Entertainment Music artist BOOKMARK: Digg it | Add to Del.ICIO | Add to FARK ACTIONS: Comment Save Print Register free acount 
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