Just like its predecessor, Poetry for the Beat Generation, legendary beatnik writer Jack Kerouac’s second album, Blues and Haikus, teamed him with producer Bob Thiele and came out on Thiele’s Hanover label in 1959. But this time around, instead of the debut’s inspired amateur jazz piano flourishes from Steve Allen, Kerouac insisted on bona fide jazz musicians to accompany his stream-of-consciousness prose. And boy, did he get them—big-time post-bop saxophonists Al Cohn and Zoot Sims made their bones in Woody Herman’s band, and here they provide effective counterpoint commentary to Kerouac’s readings. As for those who approach this release from a more literary angle, Blues and Haikus reflects Kerouac’s interest in Eastern religion and meditative practices as expressed in his novel The Dharma Bums as opposed to the more On the Road-like exultations of Poetry for the Beat Generation. But whatever your interest, boppish or bookish, Blues and Haikus is an essential document from one of our most iconic American authors, and, after listening to this album, one thing is for sure: no one is having a better time at this recording session than Kerouac himself! On the occasion of Kerouac’s 100th birthday year, our release of this cult classic record comes in tobacco tan vinyl! Side One
Release date:
January 13, 2023
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Nobsound Little Bear T7 Tube Preamp
Delivers rich, warm audio through its high-quality vacuum tubes, featuring multiple inputs and adjustable gain
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid Dreams of Being Dust
Epitaph
October 17, 2025 -
Creem Circus Get. Switched. On!
Creep Records
July 18, 2025 -
KAROL G Tropicoqueta (Tropical Blue) [2xLP]
Bichota Records/Interscope
September 26, 2025 -
Jennie Ruby Vinyl
Columbia Records Group
August 22, 2025 -
Manslaughter 777 God's World
Thrill Jockey
July 25, 2025 -
Wishbone Ash Argus [2xLP]
Analogue Prod.
August 1, 2025 -
Hayes Carll We're Only Human
Hwy 87 Records
August 8, 2025 -
Water From Your Eyes It's A Beautiful Place
Matador
August 22, 2025 -
The Hives The Hives Forever Forever The Hives
Play It Again Sam
August 29, 2025 -
Ups and Downs Stained Glass Memories (Random: Red, Yellow Or Blue)
Basket Case Records
July 25, 2025 -
Lucy Spraggan Other Sides of the Moon
Ctrl Records
July 18, 2025 -
Marissa Nadler New Radiations
Sacred Bones
August 15, 2025 -
Dropkick Murphys For the People [2xLP]
Play It Again Sam
October 10, 2025 -
Cass McCombs Interior Live Oak [2xLP]
Domino Record Co
August 15, 2025