Photographer William Ellis Interviewed at All About Jazz

Black and white photographs of jazz legends taken by the likes of Leonard Feather, William P. Gottlieb and William Claxton have gained iconic status over the years. Decades on, their photographs of Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Chet Baker and Miles Davis adorn countless walls of jazz aficionados around the world. These photographs may owe their status, at least in part, to the fame of their subjects. Back in '89, as a photographer struggling to build a name for himself, William Ellis knew only too well that for the doors of opportunity to swing wide open for him, he too had to land a big fish.

One photograph of Miles Davis, one captured moment, opened these doors and launched the career of one of the most interesting and dedicated of the modern generation of jazz photographers. However, like the musicians he photographs William Ellis has paid his dues; long years of photographing festivals and local events up and down England honed his talents and gave him a taste for performance photography. When the defining moment came, Ellis was ready to pounce. He hasn't looked back since.

AAJ Contributor Ian Patterson spoke with Ellis at length, about how he got started as a jazz photographer, and how studying the work of great painters can help with composition and concept. Ellis also opens up about a lifetime of memorable experiences photographing some of jazz's greatest players.

Check out William Ellis: Music On A Chink Of Light at AAJ today!