Jazz Photographs of the Masters

In Jazz: Photographs of the Masters, internationally acclaimed photographer Jacques Lowe captures the character and spirit of 200 of the greatest jazz musicians who define the state of the art today. Of all music, jazz best represents the diversity and dynamism of twentieth-century America, and this sumptuous volume of duotone portraits pays homage to the virtuosos who have created this extraordinarily rich music.

Here are contemplative photographs of such jazz greats as Oscar Peterson, Gerry Mulligan, and McCoy Tyner, and intimate portraits that reveal the warmth and humor of such artists as Ron Carter, Milt Jackson, and Joe Henderson. Great women musicians like Betty Carter and Shirley Horn are also pictured, as are today's most popular artists including Dave Brubeck, Ray Charles, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Peggy Lee, and Artie Shaw.

The text, by jazz connoisseur Cliff Preiss, traces the development of jazz from the turn of the century, illuminating those pictured through personal histories and anecdotes. Living legends like Sonny Rollins and Max Roach are featured, as well as innovators like Cecil Taylor and Wayne Shorter, whose genius sparked phases of jazz evolution. The text also discusses those virtuosos who have reached out and integrated other popular musical forms into jazz, and spotlights today's emerging artists.