Conversations with Lenard D. Moore

Known internationally for his Japanese-style poetry Lenard D. Moore (b. 1958) has published eight poetry collections over the course of his career. Moore has distinguished himself especially in such forms as jazz poetry haiku tanka renga sequence and haibun expressing moments of aesthetic delight as well as a voice enriched with African American culture. <i>Conversations with Lenard D. Moore</i> is a fundamental collection of sixteen interviews with the esteemed writer and former president of the Haiku Society of America. <p/>To Moore jazz is a joyful celebration of American life and culture. The impacts of such great jazz musicians as Max Roach John Coltrane Thelonious Monk Duke Ellington and Ray Charles are clear in his poetry. The conversations collected here lead the reader into Moore's creative mind demonstrating his fusion of African American music culture and history into poetry especially his jazz poetry jazzku and bluesku. In interviews that range from 1995 to 2023 Moore reveals his capabilities and responsibilities as a contemporary poet professor mentor editor and organizer. This volume serves as an indispensable source for writers and readers of poetry and African American literature.