NYT Bob Parent: Best Jazz Photograph?

I like jazz, especially this era's, but I don't know the musicians except a few by name. This picture is evocative without knowing who they are, I love the dark club feel, and the obvious authority of the musicians, in their moment.
 
a great shot, not the "best".... certainly great jazz musicians; and many more iconic pix and musicians. check out the book of photographs "All that Jazz", also the movie "the jazz loft" with w.eugene smith photos. thanks.
 
I think it's a good photo of a great moment in jazz, one of Bird's legendary rhythm sections, Haynes/Monk/Mingus. My idea of great jazz photography would be Herman Leonard's work.
 
The article asks "Is This the Greatest Photo in Jazz History," and I think certainly not. Clearly it's an important picture of a rare event, but anyone familiar with jazz era photography wouldn't place this image near the top of a list of "greats".

I don't know why the author needs to ask the question to get the ball rolling for his story anyway. It's a good enough picture to introduce the tale, but in this case the picture isn't the story, the story is the story.
 
The moment was special. But greatest jazz photo...no, not to me. That would be Art Kane's "Great Day in Harlem". Of course, that's also a special moment more than the photography. https://www.apassion4jazz.net/harlem.html

My favorite all time jazz photo has to be Herman Leonard's picture of Dexter Gordon at the Royal Roost. For me it epitomizes the era and the atmosphere of great jazz. See it here: https://imgur.com/gallery/S0QmyMo
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom