Title
The Jazz Loft Project: Photographs and Tapes of W. Eugene Smith from 821 Sixth Avenue, 19571965,Used
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In 1957, Eugene Smith, a thirtyeightyearold magazine photographer, walked out of his comfortable settled worldhis longtime wellpaying job at Life and the home he shared with his wife and four children in CrotononHudson, New Yorkto move into a dilapidated, fivestory loft building at 821 Sixth Avenue (between Twentyeighth and Twentyninth streets) in New York Citys wholesale flower district. Smith was trying to complete the most ambitious project of his life, a massive photoessay on the city of Pittsburgh.821 Sixth Avenue was a latenight haunt of musicians, including some of the biggest names in jazzCharles Mingus, Zoot Sims, Bill Evans, and Thelonious Monk among themand countless fascinating, underground characters. As his ambitions broke down for his quixotic Pittsburgh opus, Smith found solace in the chaotic, somnambulistic world of the loft and its artists. He turned his documentary impulses away from Pittsburgh and toward his offbeat new surroundings.From 1957 to 1965, Smith exposed 1,447 rolls of film at his loft, making roughly 40,000 pictures, the largest body of work in his career, photographing the nocturnal jazz scene as well as life on the streets of the flower district, as seen from his fourthfloor window. He wired the building like a surreptitious recording studio and made 1,740 reels (4,000 hours) of stereo and mono audiotapes, capturing more than 300 musicians, among them Roy Haynes, Sonny Rollins, Bill Evans, Roland Kirk, Alice Coltrane, Don Cherry, and Paul Bley. He recorded, as well, legends such as pianists Eddie Costa, and Sonny Clark, drummers Ronnie Free and Edgar Bateman, saxophonist Lin Halliday, bassist Henry Grimes, and multiinstrumentalist Eddie Listengart.Also dropping in on the nighttime scene were the likes of Doris Duke, Norman Mailer, Diane Arbus, Robert Frank, Henri CartierBresson, and Salvador Dal, as well as pimps, prostitutes, drug addicts, thieves, photography students, local cops, building inspectors, marijuana dealers, and others.Sam Stephenson discovered Smiths jazz loft photographs and tapes eleven years ago and has spent the last seven years cataloging, archiving, selecting, and editing Smiths materials for this book, as well as writing its introduction and the text interwoven throughout.W. Eugene Smiths Jazz Loft Project has been legendary in the worlds of art, photography, and music for more than forty years, but until the publication of The Jazz Loft Project, no one had seen Smiths extraordinary photographs or read any of the firsthand accounts of those who were there and lived to tell the tale(s) . . .
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the size of the book? A: The book measures nine point eight two inches in length, one point zero six inches in width, and eleven point two seven inches in height.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains two hundred eighty-eight pages, providing extensive insights into W. Eugene Smith's jazz loft project.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is bound in hardcover, ensuring durability and a premium feel for readers.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The book is authored by Sam Stephenson, who has carefully curated and edited the materials for this publication.
- Q: What genre does this book fall under? A: This book falls under the genre of collections, catalogues, and exhibitions, focusing on art, photography, and music.
- Q: How do I read this book? A: You can read this book like any traditional book, starting from the first page and progressing to the last, enjoying the insights and photographs.
- Q: Is this book suitable for all ages? A: Yes, the book is suitable for enthusiasts of art and photography, although it may appeal more to adults due to its themes.
- Q: Can I use this book for research purposes? A: Yes, this book serves as a valuable resource for research on Eugene Smith and the jazz scene during the period of 1957 to 1965.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store the book in a cool, dry place, upright on a shelf to prevent warping, and away from direct sunlight to preserve its quality.
- Q: Is this book a good gift for photography lovers? A: Yes, this book makes an excellent gift for photography lovers, showcasing unique photographs and stories from a legendary photographer.
- Q: How can I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: To clean the book, gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you can return it for a replacement or refund as per the return policy.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, books typically do not come with a warranty, but you can check the seller's return policy for any issues.
- Q: What should I do if I have trouble with my order? A: If you have trouble with your order, contact customer support for assistance with your purchase.
- Q: Does this book include any multimedia elements? A: Yes, the book includes photographs and references to audiotapes, capturing the rich jazz scene of the era.
- Q: Can I find this book in libraries? A: Yes, many libraries may have this book available due to its significance in art and photography.