Synopses & Reviews
An unexpected trove, Jim Marshall's portraits of the jazz greats are as wonderful as his legendary work with rock musicians (most recently enjoyed in Jim Marshall: Proof). The access his subjects allow him and their obvious ease around him give these photographs an unequalled intimacy. This portfolio of Marshall's favorite shots shows the classics of jazz onstage, backstage, in the studioand also in their kitchens and living rooms. Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Coleman HawkinsMarshall's images capture these faces and many, many more in authentic and unguarded moments. Jazz critic Phil Elwood provides an introduction, and captions throughout present Marshall's reminiscences in his own words, making this book a must-have for both jazz and photography aficionados. By turns illuminating and haunting, Jim Marshall: Jazz confirms his place as one of the great portrait photographers.
Review
Marshall's (Proof) photos of musicians like Jimmy Page, Carlos Santana, and the Beatles-plus his iconic images of Jimi Hendrix from the Monterey Pop Festival-form a significant part of the visual legacy of the 1960s and 1970s. In this collection of 115 black-and-white photos, Marshall turns to jazz musicians; his signature sensitivity, impeccable eye, and legendary persistence result in an intimate perspective on such giants as John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and Duke Ellington, as well as lesser-known figures like saxophonist Pete Brown. Many of the images show musicians caught in pensive moods or informal settings. One wonderful shot, for example, shows a beaming Harry James backstage, lighting a cigarette for Miles Davis. There isn't an uninteresting picture in the lot. More important, the images go deep: they will leave readers feeling they know more about these people and their music than they did before. Recommended for all collections. -Library Journal
Synopsis
An unexpected trove, Jim Marshall's portraits of the jazz greats are as wonderful as his legendary work with rock musicians (most recently enjoyed in
About the Author
Jim Marshall's more than five hundred album and CD covers and his photographs of the original Woodstock and other key moments of the 1960s make him one of the most renowned music and pop culture photographers ever. He lives in San Francisco.
Phil Elwood was the jazz critic for the San Francisco Examiner for three decades and is now a featured columnist at JazzWest.com.