Photographer's Note
Count Basie was one of the giants of Big Band Jazz. He was born in New Jersey, but made Kansas City his home. Long after he had retired from touring, he would play for free every year near his birthday. His style was generally a spare, minimal, light touch, just the right notes at just the right time; he "had it" right to the end.
This was originally shot on 400 ASA Ektachrome, push-processed to 800. It was taken at the last of his Birthday Shows, in August 1983. He was celebrating his 79th birthday. Twenty-five thousand people packed the ampitheater at Crown Plaza. I was lucky to be there, and even luckier to spend a few brief moments crouched at the side of his piano.
No_One, KristinsCamera, ourania, delpeoples έχουν(ει) επιλέξει αυτή τη σημείωση ως χρήσιμη
Critiques | Translate
No_One
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor [C: 4179 W: 26 N: 9240]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-n.gif){kind=small}
(4) 2013-08-08 11:04
Hi Russ,
This is a cool shot, and a very important one too. For the history of music, this is an excellent portrait record for the world to have, and I reckon many will look back on this in years to come to see the man with the talent. its a big bold portrait, and I guess this would match the spirit of Count Basie. Nice one!
Cheers
Noel
serp2000
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3757 W: 74 N: 5850]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif){kind=small}
(47063) 2013-08-09 0:03
Hi, Russ, good August morning!
Why did you hide so interesting story in your home archeve so long time?
Very interesting note and good expressive and great timing shot.
Best wishes,
Serghei
saxo042
(38078) 2013-08-09 8:01
Hi Russ,
An excellent portrait of this giant in jazz, the Kid from Red Bank! He definitely lead the very best big band of all times. I never heard him live (only his "ghost" band, years after his death). His band is always an inspiration for all musicians, professional or amateurs. A great picture!
Kind regards
Gunnar
cjmm
(4479) 2013-08-09 9:59
Hola Russ,
I saw this photo yesterday but had run out of 'critiques', so here I am again :-)!
Some days ago I was precisely listeting to an album that joined Count Basie and Oscar Peterson; and even if I listen more classical or rock music (late 60s and 70s), there are jazz musicians like this one that I really enjoy (in fact, I have a somehow long list of jazz musicians that I like).
The composition is very good, but what really gives personality to this photo, is the Ekta 400, pushed to 800 during processing. (Did you do it by yourself?).
Saludos y muy buen fin de semana,
Carlos
abmdsudi
(88537) 2013-08-09 10:27
Hi Russ
What a dynamic performer who truly was an icon of his craft that exudes a real zest for life. He's all jazzed up!! and this image portrays it beautifully...a true classic, i think it works well in mono too. Superb close up of an emotionally filled image and soulful indeed. Well caught, optimal pp treatment, Congrats
Best regards
marabu61
(11587) 2013-08-10 4:22
Hello Russ
I was introduced to the good old Jazz at a very young age by my father, who was a big fan of Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Louis Armstrong etc.
Still today I appreciate a good Jazz session in a raucous club.
The old ectachrome slide pushed to its limit is clearly visible in the quality and in the grain of this shot, but it is of course a superb portrait of a great man.
have a great day
Daniel
ourania
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4869 W: 13 N: 10027]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-g.gif){kind=small}
(51103) 2013-08-10 8:28
Hello Russ,
I love this portrait for its expressiveness and vividness and because in this tight frame you've captured all we need to know about Count Bassie in a visual portrait. There's the piano, the microphone, his elegant outfit, his meaningful look at his orchestra, hia joy and enthusiasm, intact after so many years. I love his leaning forward, the glint in his eye and his smile. I think you've really captured the essence. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a great weekend,
Ourania
delpeoples
(60326) 2013-08-12 5:29
Gidday dear Russ
Ahhh you got the money shot of this icon of the music world. This is not just a photo, it's a historical document. You did well to take the shot and go, back to the music and to enjoying the experience. I love the close crop, the obstacles on the left that give us a real bystander perspective, and even the noise works well for me here. Great shot of a great man. Thanks for sharing it.
Cheers
Lisa
Photo Information
-
Copyright: Russ Ham (EstudioChispa)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 258 W: 90 N: 498]](//i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(2182) - Genre: Άνθρωποι
- Medium: Έγχρωμο
- Date Taken: 1983-08-00
- Categories: Γιορτές
- Camera: Nikkormat FT, Nikkor 50mm f/1.4
- More Photo Info: view
- Έκδοση φωτογραφίας: Πρωτότυπη έκδοση
- Θέμα(τα): Musical Entertainers, Celebrities, Musicians, CELEBRITIES!!!, Musicians [view contributor(s)]
- Date Submitted: 2013-08-08 7:24
Discussions
- To Noel_Byrne: Still trying to learn color correction, though... (1)
by EstudioChispa, last updated 2013-08-08 11:54 - To saxo042: A Legend (1)
by EstudioChispa, last updated 2013-08-09 08:44 - To serp2000: We all have interesting stories hidden in our archives, yes? (1)
by EstudioChispa, last updated 2013-08-09 12:22 - To cjmm: Danos variedad, no? (1)
by EstudioChispa, last updated 2013-08-09 12:42 - To abmdsudi: I was lucky... (1)
by EstudioChispa, last updated 2013-08-09 12:44 - To marabu61: One of my favorites (1)
by EstudioChispa, last updated 2013-08-12 06:39 - To ourania: You see so much! (1)
by EstudioChispa, last updated 2013-08-12 06:46 - To delpeoples: 1 out of 4 luck! (1)
by EstudioChispa, last updated 2013-08-12 07:58
