Photographing jazz musicians during performance offers opportunities for a classic shot. But just as rewarding are the shots acquired off stage and during rehearsal. These shots are more interesting, intimate, and fun. These photographs were taken in September 1998 after the finals of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals competition won by the late Teri Thornton. All but one of the photographs was taken at the Kennedy Center where the performers were rehearsing for a gala at the Vice President's residence later that same evening. The gala performance was entitled “An Evening of Ellington and Gershwin”. All photos copyright © Ronnie James. All Rights Reserved. AAJ Exhibits T. Monk Institute East Coast Jazz 2001 Portraits in Jazz 1 Lions & Legends

Aretha Franklin and the late Grover Washington, Jr. practice a medley six hours prior to show time. Wayne Escoffrey finds a quiet place to practice. Aretha Franklin, Patrice Rushen and Terri Lyne Carrington pose for a photo. Eric Reed looks over his charts. Jimmy Heath, with Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance students Eli Degibri, Michael McKenna and Wayne Escoffrey, run through the charts for “Caravan”. This class of students have since graduated and have embarked on music careers of their own. Bassist Michael Bowie and drummer Grady Tate were two thirds of the rhythm section backing up the competing vocalists. The semi final competition was held at Washington D.C.’s premier jazz club, Blues Alley. Pianist Norman Simmons (not pictured) rounded out the trio. Dianne Reeves and Clark Terry rehearse "Medley #1" The hands of Herbie Hancock rendering Duke Ellington’s "Cotton Tail".