The Eye of Jazz: The Jazz Photographs of Herman Leonard

by Herman Leonard, Philippe Carles

Gathers postwar portraits of more than sixty top jazz musicians and singers from Louis Armstrong to Lester Young

Genres: Photography, Jazz

152 pages, Hardcover

First published January 3, 1990

Reviews

[Joan]

Autographed copy of a book of absolutely stunning portraits by the world's première jazz photographer. Is there anyone who hasn't seen his photo of Dexter Gordon, sax in lap, cigarette in hand, smoke rising?

One of his photographs was my lesson in getting what you want when you see it. Lady Day, all the anguish in her life in one stark photograph. Gorgeous. When I first saw it, I said, HOW much for a photograph!!! Didn't get it. Several years later, still mad for it, I paid a lot more! Worth every penny.

Sadly, many of Leonard's prints were lost in Hurricane Katrina, though the negatives were saved. Since Leonard's work relies as much on darkroom technique as shooting techniques, much will be irretrievable. There's only so much an 82-year-old man can do to recreate the work of decades.

[Hugo Gilligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was initially quite tricky to locate a copy of The Eye of Jazz, however it was well worth persevering. This book is not simply a body of images of famous jazz musicians. Leonard's work transports you to a time and place specific only to post-war America, a place full of suffering, creativity, hardship and promise, all beautifully captured through ribbons of cigarette smoke and Brooks Brother suits. The photographs of Billie Holiday were especially moving.

To me, the style, energy and originality of bop jazz and its sub genres are unparalleled, and this wonderful book captures the essence of the movement beautifully. A must buy for all jazz fans.