Roomful of Blues and James Montgomery
For the better part of the last 30 years, I have been roaming around with my camera, making photographs of whatever took my fancy. Shooting landscapes, sports, some portraits, and working on my true passion, fine art.
Last summer, I became friends with a couple other photographers that specialized in shooting live music. I hadn't shot a live band since the early 80's in Boston (f you want to see some real old photographs of Gary Cherone and Nuno Bettencourt before they got famous with "Extreme", let me know.)
I wanted to take another whack at some live music work, so I coerced a friend of mine that is a concert promoter to get me into the 2007 Manchester Jazz and Blues Festival and let me shoot it. I was incredibly fortunate that the headliners for this two day event were James Montgomery and Roomful of Blues.
They were two very energetic and great sounding performances, which really allowed for me to get some shots that I was quite happy with.
I found shooting these show quite challenging. There are no "do-overs" if you miss your shot, and composing your images took quite a bit of and planning and anticipation.
James Montgomery closed the show on the first night with a 60 minute set of great tunes. Quite the showman, he was very engaging with the crowd and seemed to really enjoy what he was doing.
The second night of the festival was closed by Roomful of Blues. I've always loved these guys having first seen them back in the early 80's in Harvard Square. Many of the members have changed, but the energy remains high.
I was shocked to hear that their long time trumpet player, Bob Enos, had died this past January. That guy could really play the trumpet.
Bob always put every ounce of energy into his playing, and it was always fun watching him look around for someplace to stash his cigar stub before the show. You will certainly be missed Bob.
These guys never fail to put on a great show.
All things considered, I was very pleased with these shots and am looking forward to doing some more work in this area.
If you are a band, or know of a band that is looking for some live shots, send me an email to discuss the possibilities.
Last summer, I became friends with a couple other photographers that specialized in shooting live music. I hadn't shot a live band since the early 80's in Boston (f you want to see some real old photographs of Gary Cherone and Nuno Bettencourt before they got famous with "Extreme", let me know.)I wanted to take another whack at some live music work, so I coerced a friend of mine that is a concert promoter to get me into the 2007 Manchester Jazz and Blues Festival and let me shoot it. I was incredibly fortunate that the headliners for this two day event were James Montgomery and Roomful of Blues.
They were two very energetic and great sounding performances, which really allowed for me to get some shots that I was quite happy with.
I found shooting these show quite challenging. There are no "do-overs" if you miss your shot, and composing your images took quite a bit of and planning and anticipation.
James Montgomery closed the show on the first night with a 60 minute set of great tunes. Quite the showman, he was very engaging with the crowd and seemed to really enjoy what he was doing.
The second night of the festival was closed by Roomful of Blues. I've always loved these guys having first seen them back in the early 80's in Harvard Square. Many of the members have changed, but the energy remains high.I was shocked to hear that their long time trumpet player, Bob Enos, had died this past January. That guy could really play the trumpet.
Bob always put every ounce of energy into his playing, and it was always fun watching him look around for someplace to stash his cigar stub before the show. You will certainly be missed Bob.
These guys never fail to put on a great show.
All things considered, I was very pleased with these shots and am looking forward to doing some more work in this area.
If you are a band, or know of a band that is looking for some live shots, send me an email to discuss the possibilities.
11 comments:
Great pics, Scott. I am a huge blues fan and can only imagine what a great job it would be - going from show to show and telling their stories through pictures.
the photo of the trumpter is amazing!
I agree with Letitiah...love the background of that shot! But the last one speaks to me, too.
These are fabulous. I especially like the lighting in the first photo, the way his arm and part of his face disappears.
I particularly love the second-to-last photo... great contrast and action!
Those are amazing! I also love the trumpet player.
GREAT shots... and looks like fun!
excellent, couldn't ask for better lighting.
fantastic blog and your photography is stunning! You really brought the atmosphere and movement into each photo! Great job!
Wow you are good. I like the top pic. Reminds me of all the fence-mending I have to do this spring.
Thanks for writing this.
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