This book showcases a special set of photographs taken by a select
group of photographers. The subject of each photograph is a jazz
musician. From the 1940s through the 1990s, jazz musicians have held
sway over a group of photographers that includes Andrew Pothecary,
Carolina Benshemesh, Jak Kilby, Jean-Pierre Leloir, Francine Winham,
Terry Cryer, William Gottlieb, Peter Symes, Jennifer Sebley, Daniel
Ferri, Bob Willoughby, Jonathan Oppong-Wiafe, Chris Windsor, David
Redfern, Mephisto, Herman Leonard, Ray Avery, Christian Him, Val
Wilmer, Tim Motion, David Sinclair, and Bob Douglas.As
indicated by the book’s title, the photographers are seeking to provide
readers with a counterpart to what their ear hears when they listen to
the music of the jazz artists. However, naturally enough, they’re
targeting the eye to elicit that response to and appreciation for the
musicians. One commentary in the book notes how jazz musicians
are concerned only with “the moment.” And the photographers whose work
appears in this book are just as intent on capturing the expression of
the musician’s artistry in that very same moment. Not surprisingly,
some of the most famous names in jazz are the subject of the book’s
photographs. They include, among others, Duke Ellington, Billie
Holiday, Art Tatum, Stan Kenton, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud
Powell, Count Basie, Miles Davis, and Stan Getz.All of the
photographs are in black and white and show the musicians in various
settings. In some they’re on stage performing, while in others they
relaxing with friends. Often a quote from the musician Is shown
next to a photograph of him (or her). They add to the reader’s
understanding of the musician’s character and outlook on life.With
a foreword by Ronnie Scott and an introduction by Tim Motion, readers
learn more about the rationale for the book. A passion for jazz, on the
part of both the photographers and the musicians, is readily apparent.