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Emmett Wheatfall

Emmett Wheatfall lives in Portland, Oregon where he reads, writes, and performs poetry. He has self-published four books of poetry entitled He Sees Things (2010), We Think We Know (2011), The Meaning of Me (2012), and Bread Widow (2013). Emmett has written four chapbooks under the titles Queen of the Nile, I Too Am A Slave, The Majestic, and Midnight In Madrid. His poems have been published in online journals and periodicals.

He has released one non-lyrical poetry CD titled I Speak, and three lyrical poetry CDs. When I Was Young (2010) is a thematic CD that speaks to love, hope, betrayal, and fidelity addressed in various social and cultural context. I Loved You Once (2011) contains poetry writing set to jazz, blues, and pop musical influences. His latest release is titled Them Poetry Blues (2013), and is a compilation of great poetry contextualize in blues genre music. It’s an album featuring some of Oregon’s most talented jazz and blues musicians.

In 2014, he served on the Nominations Committee for the selection of Oregon’s Poet Laureate. The Oregon Poet Laureate fosters the art of poetry, encourages literacy and learning, addresses central issues related to humanities and heritage, and reflects on public life in Oregon. The poet is appointed by the governor of the State of Oregon.

Emmett has been a featured poet at poetry readings and has performed lyrical poetry in concert with Oregon Poet Laureate Lawson Inada, been on air (radio) with Oregon's poet laureate Paulann Petersen, and is an active participant in the Portland Poetry Slam (PPS) spoken word scene.

He was a featured poet at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the March on Washington—Portland Event, wherein he delivered his original poem for the occasion entitled “Miles To Go Before We Sleep.” He also was the keynote speaker at the Oregon Historical Society's Oregon Black History Series “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom Fiftieth Anniversary Programs” screening of Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream" speech on August 28, 2013.

Emmett has performed lyrical jazz and blues poetry at Jimmy Mak’s: the premier Northwest Jazz club and one of America's top 100 Jazz clubs. He has been accompanied by world class Jazz and blues musicians in the persons of Noah Peterson, Gordon Lee, Andre St. James, Edwin Coleman III, and John Thomas: Canadian pianist Gaea Shell, Eldon T. Jones, and Ramsey Embick. In addition, such Portland legends James Miller, Carlton Jackson, the "Lion of the B-3 Hammond" Mr. Louis "aka King Louie" Pain, Peter Dammann, and Salem's own Nathan Olsen. Most notable is Grammy nominated Jazz, Blues, and Gospel pianist Ms. Janice Scroggins, and Portland vocalist Ms. Barbara Harris.

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REVIEWS – Them Poetry Blues

Emmett Wheatfall is a “Blues Poet” of the first order. His brand new CD release “Them Poetry Blues” (Peterson Entertainment) speaks the blues from beginning to end. Standing with the plaintive acknowledgement of our ancestors and life “Never Forget” to the soulful righteousness of “Sunday Morning” to the raw raucous “Big Women” (which should become an instant blues hit) Wheatfall backed by an in synch rhythm section (of keys, bass and drums) is an in the tradition of those big city sophisticated moaners yet nails the educated mannerisms of academia. A journey in blues, jazz, r&b and above all a tasted of life in today’s America.

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Them Poetry Blues

Peterson Entertainment. Llc
2013

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