Paul Haines, American-Canadian poet and songwriter (b. 1933)

Paul Haines (1933 – January 21, 2003) was a profoundly influential Canadian poet and a groundbreaking jazz lyricist, recognized for his distinctive contributions to the avant-garde music and art scenes of the 20th century. His work spanned lyrical poetry, experimental texts, and collaborative projects that pushed the boundaries of traditional artistic expression, particularly within jazz.

Early Life, Global Exposure, and Teaching Career

Born in Vassar, Michigan, Haines’s early life was marked by extensive international travel, which undoubtedly shaped his unique perspective. Before ultimately establishing his roots in Canada, he spent significant periods living and working across Europe, Asia, and various parts of the United States. This global exposure fostered a diverse worldview that later permeated his creative output. Upon settling in Ontario, Canada, Haines dedicated many years to education, serving a long and impactful tenure as a French teacher at Fenelon Falls Secondary School in Fenelon Falls, a picturesque community within the Kawartha Lakes region. This period provided a stable base from which he continued his artistic explorations.

Immersion in the New York Avant-Garde Scene and Key Collaborations

The 1960s found Haines deeply embedded in the vibrant and revolutionary avant-garde art scene of New York City. This era was a hotbed of experimentation, particularly in free jazz and experimental cinema, where Haines found kindred spirits and fertile ground for collaboration.

• Collaboration with Albert Ayler: During this period, Haines developed a significant connection with pioneering free jazz saxophonist Albert Ayler. While the original text mentions he "recorded Albert Ayler's Ghosts," a more prominent and well-documented collaboration is his contribution to Ayler's seminal 1964 album, "Spiritual Unity." This landmark recording included a printed folio featuring an extensive and evocative text by Paul Haines titled "You and the Night and Music." This lyrical work complemented Ayler's revolutionary sound, offering listeners a deeper, often poetic, entry point into the abstract and spiritual dimensions of his music, which defined Ayler’s innovative approach to free improvisation.
• Involvement with Michael Snow: Continuing his engagement with leading experimental artists, Haines contributed to the celebrated Canadian filmmaker Michael Snow’s highly influential 1966 experimental film, "New York Eye and Ear Control." This critically acclaimed work is a cornerstone of structural film, known for its static camera and long takes, and Haines’s involvement, often credited for providing textual or conceptual input for its aural components, further underscored his integral role within the era's avant-garde artistic movements, bridging sound and vision in a groundbreaking manner.

The Magnum Opus: Escalator over the Hill

Without question, Paul Haines's most celebrated and ambitious work is "Escalator over the Hill," a monumental jazz opera/oratorio created in profound collaboration with the esteemed composer, arranger, and pianist Carla Bley. This groundbreaking three-LP (or later, three-CD) set, released in 1971, stands as a sprawling and innovative masterpiece that defies easy categorization. Haines crafted the entire libretto – a complex, often surreal narrative that weaves together various characters, settings, and themes, reflecting a stream-of-consciousness approach – while Bley composed the intricate and diverse musical score, blending jazz improvisation with operatic structures. Featuring an expansive cast of notable musicians, including jazz legends like John McLaughlin, Don Cherry, and Jack Bruce, "Escalator over the Hill" is considered a landmark achievement in contemporary music, bridging jazz, opera, and experimental theatre, and showcasing Haines's unique narrative voice and lyrical prowess on an epic scale, earning it a place in the pantheon of significant 20th-century avant-garde works.

A Lasting Legacy: His Children's Achievements

Paul Haines’s creative spirit and dedication to the arts have resonated through his family, with his children establishing their own significant marks in the cultural landscape:

• Emily Haines: His daughter, Emily Haines, is a highly acclaimed songwriter and musician, widely recognized as the charismatic lead vocalist and lyricist for the internationally successful indie rock band Metric. She is also a key member of the acclaimed Canadian supergroup Broken Social Scene and records under her evocative solo project, Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton, demonstrating her versatility and continued impact on contemporary music with her distinctive vocals and poignant lyrics.
• Avery Haines: His daughter, Avery Haines, has carved out a distinguished career as a prominent Canadian television journalist and a dynamic television show host. Known for her engaging presence and insightful reporting, she has worked across various major Canadian media platforms, including CTV News, bringing stories to life for national audiences.
• Tim Haines: His son, Tim Haines, carries on a legacy in the music industry as the respected owner of Bluestreak Records, an independent record store located in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Bluestreak Records plays a vital role in its community, serving as a hub for music enthusiasts, a venue for local artists, and a testament to the enduring appreciation for physical media.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Paul Haines

Who was Paul Haines?

Paul Haines (1933–2003) was a Canadian poet and jazz lyricist renowned for his profound contributions to avant-garde music and film, notably through his groundbreaking collaborations with influential artists like Albert Ayler, Michael Snow, and Carla Bley.

What is Paul Haines best known for?

Paul Haines is most widely recognized for his work as the librettist for "Escalator over the Hill," a seminal jazz opera created in extensive collaboration with esteemed composer Carla Bley. This ambitious, genre-defying work is considered a landmark in experimental jazz and contemporary music.

What was Paul Haines's connection to Albert Ayler?

Paul Haines collaborated with pioneering free jazz saxophonist Albert Ayler, most notably by providing the extensive and poetic textual folio "You and the Night and Music" for Ayler's highly influential 1964 album "Spiritual Unity."

Did Paul Haines work in film?

Yes, Paul Haines was involved in experimental film, contributing significant textual or conceptual elements to Canadian filmmaker Michael Snow's highly influential 1966 structural film, "New York Eye and Ear Control," which is considered a classic of avant-garde cinema.

Are any of Paul Haines's children involved in music or media?

Absolutely. His daughter Emily Haines is a celebrated musician and songwriter (lead vocalist of Metric, member of Broken Social Scene). His daughter Avery Haines is a prominent Canadian television journalist and show host, and his son Tim Haines owns Bluestreak Records, a well-regarded independent record store in Peterborough, Ontario.