The Sound I Saw: Improvisation on a Jazz Theme - Hardcover

DeCarava, Roy

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0714841234 ISBN 13: 9780714841236

Publisher: Phaidon Press, 2001

Synopsis

Conceived, designed, written, and made by hand as a prototype by master photographer Roy DeCarava (b. 1919) in the early 1960s yet unpublished for nearly half a century, The Sound I Saw has largely existed, until now, as a legend among the cognoscenti of the photography world. Presented as a stream of 196 soulful images interspersed with DeCarava's own evocative poetry, the book is, in its form and effect, the printed equivalent of jazz.

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: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0714841234
• ISBN 13: 9780714841236
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 208