Gene Smith

[Yammerman]

This is the book I have which I'd highly recommend.

Let Truth be the Prejudice: W. Eugene Smith - His Life and Photographs

 

[MCTuomey]

Watched the film last night. Highlights for me, beyond smith himself, music segments monk/overton collaborating, zoot sims. His son's segments were understated and insightful. smith's printing techniques were very interesting. Entire film is worthwhile. And our modest forum host appears as well.

Like his WWII work, like Minamata, his 7-8 years in the loft cost him physically and mentally. Everything outside of his art he seems to have gradually abandoned - his family, his health, his means, his relationships - except for his work. Much like some notable jazz artists of the period. Well worth viewing.

 

[Dogman]

I downloaded the video last week and finally got a chance to watch it this morning. Thoroughly enjoyable, especially if you're into 50's jazz and Smith's photography (I am).

 

[mdarnton]

I think no one has mentioned one of my favorite sites: http://www.jazzloftproject.org/
The last time I was there, they had recordings of a radio show derived from the loft recordings, and it's wonderful.
Here they are: http://www.jazzloftproject.org/?s=radio

 

[MCTuomey]

thanks for the site tip - truly wonderful, yes!

 

[Out to Lunch]

You'll find extensive commentary on Eugene Smith's life and work in: Magnum: Fifty Years at the Front Line of History: The Story of the Legendary Photo Agency Paperback – October, 1999 by Russell Miller

 

[Timmyjoe]

Here’s a clip from a press release that may interest some of you. There are some good people who put a lot of effort into this. It’s a very worthwhile project that you can check out this weekend.


“FilmBuff will release THE JAZZ LOFT ACCORDING TO W. EUGENE SMITH on all major On Demand platforms, including iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, and Vudu, on Friday, October 7.
The film, a follow-up to Sara Fishko's Jazz Loft Radio Series, as well as author Sam Stephenson's book, The Jazz Loft Project, brings hundreds of photographs by LIFE Magazine photographer W. Eugene Smith to the screen for the first time, as well as some of the 4,000 hours of audio he recorded. "We're still not sure exactly what Gene Smith was trying to create in the loft," said Fishko. "But he did remarkable work there, and his pictures by the tens of thousands and stacks and stacks of audio tape reels tell us things about community, music-making, obsession and art that we couldn't learn in any other way."
The film was written, produced and directed by Sara Fishko, edited by Jonathan J. Johnson and photographed by Tom Hurwitz, ASC. Producers include Calvin Skaggs for Lumiere Productions and Sam Stephenson.”

Bill, you didn't mention that you're in this film. Bravo. The whole thing was very well done and I found it fascinating. Thanks for giving us the heads up.

Best,
-Tim