The Poetic Paralysis And Lyrical Legacy Of The Late And Great Ed Askew 1940 - 2024
Pulverizing and prolific, unforgivably unique, and universally undefined, the late and great Ed Crane Askew passed away earlier this week while in hospice care after suffering from a stroke a few years prior in the city he loved and respectfully ruled, NYC. We had the honor of interviewing him a few years back about his lifelong journey and esoteric expedition into a world of music, art, prolific poetry, travel, and creative community that has spanned over half a century. His divine departure from this earthly escapade is both sad and a terrible loss to the countless people he touched, inspired, and encapsulated in his warm world of spiritual speculation. With a tonal treasure trove of albums, an immeasurable collection of paintings, poetry publications, and foundational footsteps across the mortal marble, Askew left everything on the table and walked away as a whisper in the wind of change and human excellence. An ESP-Disk’ and Drag City alumni, the late artist transcended time and space through the eagerly esoteric observations into the bottomless pits of creative chasms like that of his paralyzing peers while simultaneously occupying a liberating lifestyle both on and off the page. Conquering the studio as a sanctuary amongst the stars, Askew effortlessly roamed the streets, giving reason to the ever-changing Renaissance of human expression in a way that will be reflected on for decades and generations.
Resembling a mad scientist whose shadowy presence was drenched in sophisticated sorcery and melodic macabre, Askew hit the sonic scene with his 1968 masterpiece “Ask The Unicorn” at just the age of 27, by this time, he had already mastered so much in his education and the streets of the Big Apple’s unpredictable nature, shaping him into a provocative member of a harmonious history rich in complex characters and cosmic contemplation. Releasing such albums as “Imperfiction,” “A Child In The Sun - Radio Sessions 1969-1979”, “Mr. Dream,” “Rainy Day Song,” and the highly celebrated “For The World,” Askew brought together countless elements of abstract attitude, romantic revelation, and comfortability in the all mighty skin suite until the sun sets and the moon rises one last time. Though his prolific presence will be sorely missed, his music and climate of creativity will live on forever in the multi-layered acrylic anatomy left behind for generations to discover on their epic journey to find solace and poetic peace within the fabulous fibers of a person who lived a life of unapologetic utterance and unparalleled dedication to his craft.
We love you, Ed.
