Paul Bowles

Paul Bowles was a uniquely multifaceted artist—best known as a writer, but also an accomplished composer with a distinct voice in 20th-century American music. Born in 1910, Bowles studied composition with Aaron Copland and created a variety of musical works ranging from chamber music to incidental music for the stage. His compositions often reflect an adventurous spirit and a deep curiosity about different cultures, which also influenced his literary work.

Bowles spent much of his life in Tangier, Morocco, and his passion for the region is evident in his music. In 1959, he documented traditional Moroccan music during a field-recording project funded by the Library of Congress, producing invaluable ethnographic recordings. Albums like Music of Morocco: Recorded by Paul Bowles, 1959 highlight his role as a cultural bridge between worlds. Though he's often remembered for novels like The Sheltering Sky, Bowles' music offers a fascinating glimpse into his artistic mind and global sensibility.

Genres

Spoken Word

Ambient

Gnawa

Latest Release

Paul Bowles: A Picnic Cantata

Paul Bowles•

Steven Blier

Album - 7 Tracks - Released November 18, 2022