I am well into a new body of work and the journey is amazing. My new work is rooted in my love for jazz and photography. The work brings together these two loves of mine in ways that is life giving for me and I hope also for those who engage the work.
The past weekend I shoot at The Velvet Note here in Atlanta (Alpharetta) and once again it was amazing. I am the Artist in Residence at the Velvet Note and Tamara Fuller, the owner has been more than gracious to me. This week she had Curtis Lundy perform and ignited a new fire in me to hear this great music. Curtis Lundy was the bassist and music director for Betty Carter and he is still as hot as ever.
Curtis Lundy was joined by Joe Doubleday on vibraphone, Howard Nicholson on saxophone, Terreon Gully on drums and Louis Heriveaux on piano. The music moved me..as William Claxton, the great jazz photographer would say, “I listen with my eyes.” As I watched for light trying to find good shots it was as if I to were playing with the band in my own way. While not up on stage, I like all the other members of the audience felt as if they were playing just for me.
One of the many wonderful things about The Velvet Note is its intimacy and exquisite sound. It is literally the acoustic living room. It is music the way it was meant to be heard and you are up close and personal with artirst. My work is to show the music in my images. Once again retiring to one my idols, William Claxton, “Photography is jazz for the eye.” He then goes on to say, “All I ask you to do is listen with your eyes.” I invite you to follow me on this new journey as this body of work evolves.
I See Jazz…will you look with me?
