Customer Reviews

I Want Burning

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you are an admirer of the poetry of Rumi and the translations Coleman Barks, you will love this CD collection. In addition to Rumi, there are selections from two additional poets, Hafiz and Lalla, both of which compliment the selections from Rumi. Some of the readings are accompanied by music. Mr. Barks reads his translations in a relaxed and jovial manner, which displays his genuine affection for the works read.

This recording was made before a live audience and therefore lacks the polish of a studio recording, but makes up for it with the charm of being live and alive. There is no text of the poetry with the CD and the only liner notes are a brief bio of Coleman Barks.

If you are unfamiliar with the poetry of Rumi, this CD would be a good place to start. Rumi's poetry reflects his unabashed love for God, but without the hindrance of doctrinal constraints; it is spiritual without being religious.

Colemen Barks captures the spirit of Rumi, Hafiz, and Lalla. I enjoy the Spiritual Essence revealed in his reading so much, that I have 3 copies of this, and have sent it to several friends. I have a copy for the car, the house, and the garden. Coleman has said he Becomes what Rumi has written when he recites this wonderful poetry. Yes, and it is apparent. A shiver runs the spine at the Recognition revealed in these readings.

Delicious. Uplifting. Reaffirming. Intoxicating. Necessary. (In other words: Get it, sit down, listen!)

Coleman Barks may be a brilliant translator, but this CD was a disappointment, mostly because of the slip-shod music production. Something more rehearsed, with better sounds and creative energy would have been nice. The mood of the text is completely contradicted by the cheesy music. And for anyone that says, "well, I bet you couldn't do better." Try me. (I'm a music producer and Rumi enthusiast, and I have half a mind to see just what I can do. Give me a call Mr. Barks - w w w . m i n d s p e a k . c o m

Coleman Barks has captured the essence of Rumi with his captivating, mysterious southern voice giving the entire cd a mystical quality unmatched by anyone I have heard reading poetry. Anyone who wants to drink from the fountain of Rumi and find something different each time you pour a cup of timeless words, then you must have this.

The title says it all. This is the opposite of cool, aloofness. This is broken open ecstacy. This elegant poetry, written centuries ago, is still fresh, evocative, poignant. The images of dancing under the night sky, of a breath on the face of your beloved, of a trail of tiny footprints evidencing the spiritual journey will stay with you. Coleman Barks' explanations add layers of depth and the musical accompaniment, heightens the urgency. At times, you can feel the universe moving around you.

This is the best Rumi CD I have ever heard. There is exquisite depth of feeling in the performance.

This Rumi CD by Coleman Barks is exception. No one does Rumi like Coleman. It is beautifully done and poignant. Thoroughly recommend it!

I LOVE Rumi's poetry, and I love Coleman Barks' translations. I've been a fan for a number of years now, but this was the first time I've ever heard him speak. He has a Southern accent and sounds like a "good ol' boy" reading these amazing, enlightening words. It really is hard to take it seriously as Middle Eastern poetry from the 13th century when the reader sounds like he's from Dukes of Hazard. It's pretty bad.

Wonderful idea, good music, but Coleman Bark's voice just doesn't fit.