ALAN WATTS - HAIKU (1959)

This evocative album features the inimitable Alan Watts as he explores the delicate artistry of haiku, the traditional Japanese form of poetry that captures fleeting moments of nature and human experience in just 17 syllables. Across two sides, totaling approximately 40 minutes, Watts’ rich, resonant voice brings these miniature masterpieces to life, weaving his insightful commentary with recitations that resonate with Zen-inspired clarity and wonder.

Side A introduces the essence of haiku, with Watts unraveling its roots in Eastern thought and its power to distill the profound into the simple. Side B deepens the experience, blending his reflections with carefully chosen examples that evoke the stillness of a pond or the rustle of leaves. Recorded with the warm, analog fidelity of the late '50s, the LP’s understated packaging mirrors the elegance of its subject. A must-have for vinyl collectors, poetry lovers, or admirers of Watts’ ability to bridge cultures, "Haiku" is a timeless meditation on presence and perception—a quiet yet powerful gem from one of philosophy’s most beloved voices.