Not having the money to purchase sophisticated photo equipment, it took several years of dedicated saving to be able to call himself a serious photographer. His professional photographic career began in the early seventies after landing a job as a photo-journalist with Het Nieuwsblad, one of the largest newspapers in Belgium.

His interest in jazz also blossomed during these years and it was during the seventies when pirate radio was popping up all over Belgium. Jos began moonlighting as a DJ with his first radio show, Radio North Sea on Thursday nights from 8 to 10 p.m. "Pirate radio was really a wild thing in those days," said Jos. "Broadcasting from a van, we had to go from one place to another in order not to get caught. Between my photo assignments and radio show, I was always on the move."

Jos' photographic work continued during the early 1980s and his award-winning action photography was exhibited regularly throughout Belgium. By 1985, his professional photography career took a hiatus until 1990 when he began again, this time limiting his photography strictly to jazz, one of the great loves of his life.

Jos continues as a jazz DJ in Belgium and his stunning jazz photography can be seen on display at many jazz venues, in publications throughout Belgium and published worldwide on the Internet. His photos capture the real spirit of jazz, but go far deeper than simple photographic talent. It is the heart and soul of a 25-year jazz DJ, combined with the gift of vision, that captures a moment in time in the world of jazz.

Other Jos Knaepen Exhibits @ AAJ
Jazz Expressions, Vol 1
Jazz Expressions, Vol 2
Jazz Impressions, Vol 1
Jazz Impressions, Vol 2

All photos copyright © Jos Knaepen. All Rights Reserved.
Captions by Suzi Price

Bobby McFerrin. Master of scat and improvisation, Bobby mesmerized the 2001 Marciac Festival audience performing with, pianist Gil Goldstein-- bassist, Richard Bona--and drummer, Omar Hakim. Bobby's extraordinary voice and entertaining talent for mimicking a variety of sounds and instrumentation make him a favorite-featured artist and headliner as delightfully captured here at the Marciac Jazz Festival 2001.

Henri Texier. One of France's major bass players, Henri Texier is captured here at the 2001 Middelheim Jazz Festival. Henri recently displayed his incredible musical talent during a highly successful tour in Africa where Magnum photographer, Guy LeQuerrec, documented the event.

Bill Carrothers. In the generation of Brad Mehldau and other young pianists pursuing the intimate style and genius of the late Bill Evans, you don't need words or music to feel the exquisite talent of the exceptional Bill Carrothers. Just look at the photograph, you can hear the music playing. Bill is quickly gaining international recognition as demonstrated here at the 2001 Middelheim Jazz Festival.

Carl Allen. Pictured here at the 1999 North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague, Netherlands, Carl Allen takes very good care of his drums and is only satisfied when the sound is precisely right. Just ask Freddie Hubbard, Jackie McLean, George Coleman and Benny Green…they will tell you about Carl.

Maria Schneider (Middelheim 2001). The BJO (Brussels Jazz Orchestra) played at this year's IAJA in New York City featuring special guest Kenny Werner. Pictured here during the 2001 Middelheim Jazz Festival with the BJO, infamous diva, Maria Schneider, commented, "Of all the orchestras I've worked with in Europe, the Brussels' Jazz Orchestra is the most pleasurable to work with. They make me look good. It's like working with my own band." (August 8, 2001)

Bob Berg. Gifted and flawless tenor and soprano saxophonist, Bob Berg, took a walk down memory lane at the 2001 Marciac Jazz Festival…with old friends Andre Ceccarelli, drums and Pierre Boussaguet, bass. Berg lived and played in Europe in the early eighties before returning to the US to play with Miles Davis.

Ali Ryerson. Ali lived in Belgium for nearly 10 years before returning to the United States. So, when Ali has the opportunity to perform at Belgium's exquisite jazz club "The Music Village," many of her old friends stop by to say hello and enjoy her performance.

Uri Caine (Marciac 2001). Blending jazz with classical music, Uri is always new, fresh and fascinating. "Sometimes you have to dig deep into your jazz knowledge, but when you hear chords of Monk's "'Round Midnight" come around, you know that your on the right track," says Uri.

Dave Brubeck. Born in 1920, the incredible Mr. Brubeck is still going strong. His music is continually new, yet traditionally favored as demonstrated by sold-out performances worldwide. His marathon tour schedule is not what one would expect from a man in his eighties, yet the unstoppable Mr. Brubeck seems to be everywhere. His most recent CD "The Crossing," (Telarc 2001) with Bobby Militello, alto sax & flute, Alec Dankworth, bass and Randy Jones, drums is testimony to his enduring musical legend. Captured here at the Palais des Beaux Arts 2001 in Brussels, Belgium, audiences were astounded at the vigor and youth of his performance and the 50+ years of music from this legendary musician.

Wycliffe Gordon. He's young and gifted and that's two of the reasons Wynton Marsalis invited him to join the famous Marsalis septet. Photographed at Marciac 2001, expect to hear many good things in the future about this rising star.

Diana Krall. Just a few weeks before the release of her new CD, Miss Krall was stealing the show at the Marciac Jazz Festival. A great hush fell over the 7000 audience in the hall when she started the show. There was whispering about that new CD and by now, after listening to " The Look Of Love" , the attendees know that one of the songs on her new CD was performed in Marciac on August 5, 2001. A genuine thrill.