Troubled Soul Refinery by Taalam Acey Book Review by Carmen B. Smith

If you are familiar with the world of Poetry Slams and Spoken Word, chances are you have heard of Taalam Acey. Since 1999 he has been traveling the globe to share his work. He has nine CDs, but had yet to publish any of his poetry in written form, until now. “Troubled Soul Refinery” (TSR) is a 340 page collection of Acey’s poems from 1998-2007. Spoken word lovers have awaited this manuscript since Taalam’s first book “Eyes Free,” an award-winning memoir that gave the purest account of what it is to be a full time traveling spoken word artist. TSR offers the gift of Taalam’s work that covers topics from Social to Erotic, Political to Depression, Love, Rants and Spirituality; with that range, there are sure to be a number of poems for everyone.

In Acey’s third book, he presents an introduction to each chapter, giving insight into how he came to write each piece and how they have been received by audiences when performed. He takes you on a journey, citing times and places, outside influences and inner demons, and points out the issues that matter to him most. TSR not only leads you down the path of a poet’s writing process, but it leads you to your own path of self discovery, as many lines can simultaneously pierce and heal the soul.

There are over ninety poems in this collection. Not only do they inspire and provoke deep thought, but they are rich with teaching, bestowing a wealth of African American History and Heritage. The reader is challenged to investigate and revisit many historical and political figures, leaders, activists, and artists that Taalam references, such as:

“And from there,
she discusses Rodney’s
“How Europe Underdeveloped Africa”
And compares that
To Kwame Nkrumah’s
“Neo Colonialism:
The last Stage of Imperialism.”

There are over sixty such references throughout the book, yet each piece remains relevant for today and timeless for decades to come. The Political and Social poems address, with no holds barred, the many issues that have plagued this country, from Hurricane Katrina, the crack epidemic, problems with hip hop, AIDS, misguided youth, police and the prison industrial complex, to 9/11. This manuscript can be woven into the curriculum of any literary, socio-political or history class at the top universities around the nation.

“Troubled Soul Refinery” is an intense display of the constant conflict of life, which is balance. From one end of the spectrum to the next, Taalam continuously aims to balance his subject matter. He goes from encouraging brotherhood to then sharply confronting men about their neglected responsibilities. He deals with overcoming suicidal depression to superseding one’s calling in life. And in true Slam poetry fashion, there are lyrical boasts that balance the poems that edify and uplift the peers of his art form as well as vivid womanizing pieces that are countered by the most heartfelt love poems, in which he refers to women as the “closest thing to G*d.” The frail humanity of the poet is sincerely felt through his words. His contrasting and varying attitudes are also attributed to the fact that this work spans over a decade.

The ultimate beauty of the book is found in the author’s brutal honesty. This is honesty that most of us yearn for, but rarely get today. It is raw and uncut, endearing and vulnerable. Acey holds no punches when dealing with people who have brought down the community or in expressing erotic, loving and sensual spells. He is also quite transparent in divulging his personal life. The introspective rant “Motels & Couches” makes you feel as though you have traveled internationally with Taalam to numerous poetry venues and motels, all the while giving you insight into his witty comedic and sarcastic nature. The essays and interview at the end of the book also thoroughly educate the reader on the history and current state of spoken word.

I once heard that Acey taught a class on ‘Creative Genius and Mental Illness,’ this is somewhat fitting. As you move through the pages of the book, it becomes clear that not only are you reading the work of a “troubled soul” but also one of the most talented wordsmiths, genius minds and speakers of truth to power for this generation. “Troubled Soul Refinery” is sure to leave “indelible fingerprints on your heart” and have you “reaching for your higher self”.
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“Troubled Soul Refinery” can be purchased online at: www.poetcd.com

For more information about Taalam Acey visit:
www.taalamacey.com
www.myspace.com/officialtaalamacey