he Sound I Saw - Softcover

DeCarava, Roy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0714843318 ISBN 13: 9780714843315

Publisher: Phaidon Press, 2003

Synopsis

A photographic portrait of the world of jazz music. Presented as a stream of 196 images interspersed with DeCarava's own poetry, this volume is, in its form and overall effect, a printed equivalent of jazz -composed of overlapping passages of pain, sweetness, optimism and suffering. Roy DeCarava has documented the people, both famous and anonymous, and the seemingly mundane yet intimate moments of his Harlem neighbours and neighbourhood. The result is at once a work for photography enthusiasts, an historic documentation for jazz lovers, and a profound message to African-Americans as well as Whites that artistic talent knows no boundaries of race.

About this title

Review:

Let legendary photographer Roy DeCarava lead you through the dark, moody, and exciting world of New York jazz in the 1960s. Photographed 30 years ago and not published until now, The Sound I Saw is a saunter through a poignant period of New York musical history and life experience. Vacant lots and sweaty musicians dot a cultural landscape that looks as if it's going to burst at the seams. The beautiful black-and-white images simultaneously capture hard and luscious life in the city. Lonely figures abound, on park benches, street corners, stages, and subways. The music appears and strives to make intense connections with the surrounding world. A delirious trumpet player works so hard you can almost feel him move the camera. This beautiful coffee-table size book has one striking picture after another, each capturing heartfelt experiences of life in the great city. From jam sessions to candy stores, the streets of New York appear choreographed to reveal the depths of the human spirit. --J.P. Cohen

About the Author:

Roy DeCavara, a life-long New Yorker, is a revered figure in the photography world. He was first recognized for his images of daily life in Harlem, as in The Sweet Flypaper of Life, his 1955 collaboration with Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes, and for portraits of musicians like Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday.

About this edition

• Publisher: Phaidon Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0714843318
• ISBN 13: 9780714843315
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208