by Gene Lees; photographs by John Reeves
Stewart House (1994)
ISBN 1-895246-30-X
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Jazz Lives: 100 Portraits in Jazz
Reviewed By Joel Roberts
Most books of jazz photography focus on the jazz musician as
performer,
seeking to capture the artist in the midst of creative exploration,
preferably in a dark, suitably atmospheric nightclub. Jazz Lives
takes a different, more contemplative approach, offering intimate
glimpses
of one hundred musicians, many shot in their own homes, by photographer
John Reeves. No instruments are shown, just head shots of a wide range
of
both famous and lesser known jazz personalities. With perfectly matched
accompanying essays by the eminent jazz writer Gene Lees, the book is a
thoughtful, inside look at some of the men and women who make the music.
The subjects of these portraits represent a true cross-section of the
jazz
world. In addition to major stars like Dave Brubeck, Oscar Peterson,
Dizzy
Gillespie, Carmen McRae, and Tony Bennett, we find under-appreciated
veterans like Ernie Andrews, Harold Land, Lou Levy, John Heard, and Ed
Thigpen. As proof of the ever-increasing internationalism of jazz,
artists
from ten different countries are included, with particular attention
paid
to musicians from Canada, the homeland of both the author and
photographer.
Family relationships are also emphasized, with a number of joint entries
for brothers (Pete and Conte Candoli, Winard and Philip Harper),
husbands
and wives (Jackie and Roy), fathers and sons (Chubby and Duffy Jackson,
Al
and Michael Grey), and fathers and daughters (Jimmy and Stacy Rowles).
The portraits are arranged chronologically, from oldest to youngest,
beginning with trombonist Spiegle Willcox (born 1903), who once shared
the
bandstand with Bix Beiderbecke, and saxophonist Bill Challis (born
1904),
who wrote arrangements for Paul Whiteman, Fletcher Henderson, and Artie
Shaw. By the time we arrive at the book's final entries for pianist
Geoff
Keezer (born 1970), saxophonist Chris Potter (born 1971), and bass
phenom
Christian McBride (born 1972), we have taken an exhilarating journey, in
words and pictures, through the history of jazz, and we are reassured
that
the music remains in good hands.
If you would like to purchase Jazz Lives, please send a check or money order for
$40 U.S. (United States and Canada), $45 for other countries to:
Two Trees Publishing, PO Box 35, Summerland, California 93067.
Postage and handling is included. Checks should be made payable to Two Trees Publishing.
The book will be sent immediately on receipt of your check or money order.
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