Bob Reitman, a prominent figure in Milwaukee's radio scene, is set to release his second spoken word album titled '12th House' on October 12, 2026. Known for his extensive career as a DJ, Reitman initially made his mark in the 1970s with his first album, 'The Eleventh House,' which featured his poetry accompanied by music from various local musicians.
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The new album includes 16 poems written over multiple decades, reflecting Reitman’s evolution as a poet since he began writing in his teenage years. Reitman credits producer Gary Tanin, who persistently encouraged him to create another album, with inspiring this project. Reitman remarked, "That attitude just inspired me. God, this guy likes this? OK, maybe it’s OK."
Tanin, who has a long-standing connection to Reitman, shared a story from 1971, when he was recording his own album at the same studio where Reitman recorded his debut. Reitman and Tanin reconnected over coffee about a decade ago, leading to discussions about revisiting Reitman’s rich collection of poetry.
The process resulted in twice the recorded material compared to what made it onto the album. '12th House' includes three poems from 'The Eleventh House,' including Reitman’s first-ever poem, "The First One," penned in 1958. Tanin emphasized the timeless relevance of Reitman's work, noting how it addresses cultural and social issues that are still pertinent today.
The decision to release '12th House' exclusively on vinyl reflects a desire to create a tangible connection between Reitman and his audience, echoing the intimate performances from the past. Tanin stated that he hopes listeners will feel as if they are in a shared space with Reitman as he recites his poetry.
To celebrate the album's release, a special launch event titled '12th House in Twilight' is scheduled to take place at the Pabst Theater, featuring local performers and artists. Only 500 unique vinyl copies of '12th House' have been pressed.