The Bitter Poet is a New York City-based anti-folk, indie-rock, singer-songwriter whose musical storytelling is darkly humorous, intense and gritty. His songs are honest to a fault, but also over-the-top and grandiose in the style of Tom Waits or Nick Cave. Musically, his straight-ahead rock chords and carnival-like lyrics blend humor, pathos and outrage. He has been described as “Lou Reed meets William Shatner” and “The Doors meet Jack Nicholson.”
The Bitter Poet’s new CD, Trail of Glitter, released on May 6, 2016, is his first full-length solo album. The album’s 11 tracks capture the highlights and low-lights of The Bitter Poet’s past decade. From being single to finding love and marriage, Trail of Glitter follows his personal misfortunes and petty triumphs, as he grapples with his own failings in the pursuit of love, lust and fame in New York City’s downtown music and performance art demimonde.
The Bitter Poet is, yes, bitter, and dark, but in a way that encourages listeners to laugh along with him and sympathize with his stories. After witnessing The Bitter Poet’s performance, one fan gushed: “It’s wild, crazy and everyone can relate to something. I thought it was so honest…Most wouldn’t dare to share, and that’s why it’s so awesome! It’s just very human, very funny and crazy!!! I love it.” A more reserved reviewer in the Charleston City Paper says: “The Bitter Poet is on the mark with his observations of human life, and he’s as funny as he is astute.”
The Bitter Poet performs all over New York City in a variety of iconic venues, from basement theaters like Under St. Marks to music clubs such as Arlene’s Grocery, the East Village’s Sidewalk Cafe, and Brooklyn’s Jalopy Theater. He has been showcased in Charleston, SC’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival and in Austin, TX’s FronteraFest, where he was chosen for the “Best of Fest” show 3 years in a row.
The Bitter Poet continues to produce and host his monthly singer-songwriter showcase, NYSolo6, based at The Four Faced Liar in the heart of NYC’s Greenwich Village. The Trail of Glitter release on May 6, 2016 will kick off a year of shows nationwide in support of the new album.