Are there two better photos of jazz musicians than these of Dexter Gordon (l) and Duke (r)? If there are they too were probably taken by Herman Leonard who died yesterday (August 14). His black and white images captured the late night feel of jazz that few others managed. In his 87 years he photographed all the greats including more recent entrants such as Melody Gardot. Unique, his legacy is everywhere in the jazz world - just check out your old LP covers.
The city of Angels is just that today.
Lance.
Debra Milne sent me this obituary.
John Taylor sent this link to some of Harlan Leonard's photos.
Oh dear. A seminal influence in the world of jazz photography. Iconic, standard, celebrated shamelessly smokey and beautifully sexy. They don't make them like these anymore. The Dextor shot is '..just put your lips together and blow...' classic.
ReplyDeleteAndy Sheppard's Introductions In The Dark album comes to mind. Spoiled somewhat by Lancelot and BMJ messages flashing across my mind..
Is monochrome relegated to the bygone era? Best served with cinematic noir and chiselled jawlines, or works just as well with a little denim showing?
Does a purple and orange face against a fuschia backdrop do it for you?
What colour is jazz!? My lens cap off to Mr Herman Leonard.
Lancelot (lns-lt, -lt, län-)
ReplyDeleten. new millenia legend, a king of writ and wit whose love affair with bebop won the hearts of readers throughout distant lands.
Lancet
n. the word I was looking for.