Jazz

by William Claxton

The finest collection of jazz photographs ever published, William Claxton's Jazz became an instant classic when it was first published in 1987. Now this seminal volume of portraits is available in a stunning paperback edition. Legendary throughout the jazz world, Claxton began photographing musicians while still a student at UCLA, during the early days of the burgeoning West Coast jazz scene. A personal friend of many of the artists, Claxton captured on film the intimate relationship between the musicians and their music, and his award-winning photographs have graced the covers of innumerable albums. Collected here are 77 evocative full-bleed duotones of the world's great jazz icons, including Sarah Vaughan, Chet Baker, Dave Brubreck, Bill Evans, Gerry Mulligan, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Dizzie Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Art Pepper, Thelonious Monk, and many others. For anyone who loves jazz or fine photography, Jazz is a timeless volume and an outstanding gift.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Photography, Jazz

124 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1987

Reviews

[Steve]

Beautiful B&W photos of jazz musicians. Iconic photos of Chet Baker. Many photos of musicians now forgotten. The detail, the settings!

[Tosh]

This is not the Tashen edition! This is the original Twelvetress Press edition. Remarkable design that brings out the sensuality of William Claxton's images of jazz players and the jazz world. Beautiful twilight world where style is extremely essential. Chet Baker loved the camera or the camera loved him. Without a doubt Claxton's camera had an affair with him. Intimate, sexy as well, and smart. Must-have for those must have-it.

[G. Michael Reynolds]

Hands down my favorite book of photography (well, until Philip Buehler's book comes out anyway). Wonderful imagery of an age I wish I could have seen firsthand.

[Bjm Index]

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