The Art Of Live Jazz - Jazz Photos by Ben Johnson

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Music Galleries

Ramsey Lewis - Sun Goddess Tour Exit0 Jazz Festival : Ramsey Lewis and his Sungodess Tour and Electric Band performing at The Exit0 Jazz Festival in Cape May New Jersey's Convention Center on November 10, 2012

Ramsey Lewis - Sun Goddess Tour Exit0 Jazz Festival

Ramsey Lewis and his Sungodess Tour and Electric Band performing at Th ...

Updated: Nov 11, 2012 4:08pm PST

Carlos Santana 2012 Tour - Borgata Atlantic City : The Carlos Santana 2012 Tour celebrating Carlos' 64th Birthday at The Borgata Hotel on Friday July 20, 2012

Carlos Santana 2012 Tour - Borgata Atlantic City

Sade Tour 2011 Philadelphia - Sade performing in Philadelphia, PA at The Wells Fargo Center, June 19, 2011 opening with John Legend : Sade Tour 2011 at The Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia Pa, June 19, 2011 also featuring John Legend

Sade Tour 2011 Philadelphia - Sade performing in Philadelphia, PA at The Wells Fargo Center, June 19, 2011 opening with John Legend

Sade Tour 2011 at The Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia Pa, June 19, 201 ...

Updated: Jun 20, 2011 6:42pm PST

Jeff Beck - The Borgata Atlantic City : Jeff Beck performing at The Borgata Hotel's Music Box in Atlantic City, New Jersey on June 5, 2010

Jeff Beck - The Borgata Atlantic City

Jeff Beck performing at The Borgata Hotel's Music Box in Atlantic City ...

Updated: Jun 06, 2010 5:19pm PST

Tribute for Jazz Organist Dr. Trudy Pitts : A Tribute to the late Dr. Trudy Pitts held June 4, 2011 in Verizon Hall in The Kimmel Center for The Performing arts in Philadelphia, PA

Tribute for Jazz Organist Dr. Trudy Pitts

A Tribute to the late Dr. Trudy Pitts held June 4, 2011 in Verizon Hal ...

Updated: Jun 05, 2011 1:23pm PST

Lani Hall and Herb Alpert - Zellerbach Theater : Herb Alpert and Lani Hall 'Anything Goes' tour, appearing at Zellerbach Theater in Philadelphia on November 4, 2009

Lani Hall and Herb Alpert - Zellerbach Theater

Herb Alpert and Lani Hall 'Anything Goes' tour, appearing at Zellerbac ...

Updated: Nov 09, 2009 5:26am PST

Joris Teepe Photos - New York : Joris Teepe Photos taken in New York City

Joris Teepe Photos - New York

Jazz Musicians in Performances : This is a collection of a variety of Jazz musicians in performances.

Jazz Musicians in Performances

This is a collection of a variety of Jazz musicians in performances.

Updated: Nov 18, 2009 6:46am PST

Rashied Ali - A Photo Tribute : Free-jazz drummer and John Coltrane sideman Rashied Ali died in New York August 12, 2009. He was 76. He died after becoming too ill to preform at The Newport Festival 55 Festival, and had been hospitalized, and apparently died after leaving the hospital hospital of a blood clot in his lung. I had the privilege of photographing him, and getting to know him over the last 2 years, This gallery is my tribute to him. He joined John Coltrane's group in the mid-1960s during the saxophonist's late period of avant-garde jazz experimentation. He recorded with Coltrane on the 1965 album "Meditations" and on "Interstellar Space" in 1967. After Coltrane died in 1967, Ali toured Europe before returning to New York. He ran the jazz club Ali's Alley before it closed in 1979 and continued to perform and record until his death. Ali was born Robert Patterson on July 1, 1933, to a musical family in Philadelphia, Pa.

Rashied Ali - A Photo Tribute

Free-jazz drummer and John Coltrane sideman Rashied Ali died in New Y ...

Updated: Aug 14, 2009 11:50am PST

Tia Fuller Quartet - Tony Day Quartet at The Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Series in Atlantic City, New Jersey : Tia Fuller performing at The 2009 Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Series in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Tia Fuller Quartet - Tony Day Quartet at The Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Series in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Tia Fuller performing at The 2009 Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Series in At ...

Updated: Aug 16, 2009 9:40am PST

Drummer Billy James - Photos : Jazz drummer Billy James passed away suddenly on Friday, November 20, 2009, from what is believed to be complications from asthma, according to Danita Garrison-Lyburn, his long-time girlfriend. He was 73 years old. Jazz fans know the distinctive style of James and his legendary work with organist Don Patterson and saxophonists Sonny Stitt and Booker Ervin. According to David A. Orthmann of All About Jazz, "The cornerstone of James' style is a singular sound on the ride cymbal, which always points the way and provides continuity regardless of the kind of ensemble he's playing in...At slow to medium tempos, the cymbal's timbre has weight and seems to expand; at faster tempos it's springy and nimble. He has a knack for wiping the slate clean at the beginning of everyone's solo by striking it in such a way that the music sounds reinvigorated.... No matter how busy James gets, he always stays in touch with and acknowledges the others." Discography: Sonny Stitt, "Live" At The Left Bank (Label M, 1971) Sonny Stitt/Don Patterson, Legends Of Acid Jazz, Vol. 2 (Prestige, 1968) Don Patterson, Boppin' & Burnin' (Prestige, 1968)

Drummer Billy James - Photos

Jazz drummer Billy James passed away suddenly on Friday, November 20, ...

Updated: Nov 23, 2009 8:51am PST

Trombonist Benny Powell - A Photo Tribute : Trombonist Benny Powell played his final set on Sunday June 26, 2010 at the age of 80 a date noted as the date Clifford Brown passed away in 1955. Benny was known for his gigs with The Count Basie Orchestra, and probably less notably as playing with Oliver Nelson. These few images are from his date with Randy Weston at The 2008 Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in Tomkins Square Park, in New York City. Play in peace Benny.

Trombonist Benny Powell - A Photo Tribute

Trombonist Benny Powell played his final set on Sunday June 26, 2010 a ...

Updated: Jun 28, 2010 10:38am PST

Brownie Speaks - UARTS Philadelphia 2008 :

Brownie Speaks - UARTS Philadelphia 2008

Updated: Nov 09, 2010 7:09am PST

Redding's Restaurant Live Jazz Series in Atlantic City :

Redding's Restaurant Live Jazz Series in Atlantic City

Updated: Feb 09, 2011 1:53pm PST

Jazz Piano Summit 2011 Photos - The Grand Opera House Wilmington, DE : A Jazz piano summit with solo performances by Jackie Terrason, Hiromi, and Cedar Walton at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington, Delaware on April 3, 20111

Jazz Piano Summit 2011 Photos - The Grand Opera House Wilmington, DE

A Jazz piano summit with solo performances by Jackie Terrason, Hiromi, ...

Updated: Apr 13, 2011 6:25am PST

Trudys Pitts - A Photo Tribute : The World lost another Jazz Innovator this morning, December 19, 2010, Premier Organist and Classical Pianist Trudy Pitts Carney lost her battle with cancer. Her family was by her side. She studied at Philadelphia's Musical Academy, Temple University, and Juilliard, among other institutions. She was the first and only Jazz organist to date to have performed on the state of the art pipe organ in Verizon Hall at The Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, PA. Trudy was a native Philadelphian who began playing piano at age six. Her mother, too, was a musician and inspired this family tradition. She will be missed.

Trudys Pitts - A Photo Tribute

The World lost another Jazz Innovator this morning, December 19, 2010, ...

Updated: Dec 19, 2010 1:39pm PST

Wilby Fletcher, Jr - A Photo Tribute : A photo tribute to Wilby Fletcher, Jr. who, passed away October 15, 2009

Wilby Fletcher, Jr - A Photo Tribute

Gene Ludwig - A Photo Tribute : Legendary Jazz Orgaanist Gene Ludwig played his final chord on July 14, 2010 after a brief illness. Gene and I became friends after meeting at a memorial service for Jimmy Smith. Gene was part of Jazz Organ's heyday and was a significant contributor to its artform. At 18, I watched from outside of The Wonder Gardens Night Club in Atlantic City, amazed to seem him standing on top of and playing the organ backwards. More information can be found at http://www.geneludwig.com This is my small contribution to is talent and my memories of our short-lived friendship. They are swingin' up there today without a doubt!

Gene Ludwig - A Photo Tribute

Legendary Jazz Orgaanist Gene Ludwig played his final chord on July 14 ...

Updated: Jul 16, 2010 6:20pm PST

David Fathead Newman - - A Photo Tribute : David "Fathead" Newman, who played with the Ray Charles Band and won fame as a tenor sax soloist, died Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at age 75. A musical memorial celebration of David's Fathead Newman’s life will be held at St. Peters Jazz Ministry on Lexington and 54th St. in New York City on Monday, March 9 at 7:00 PM More information about him can be found at http://www.davidfatheadnewman.com

David Fathead Newman - - A Photo Tribute

David "Fathead" Newman, who played with the Ray Charles Band and won f ...

Updated: Jan 25, 2009 1:22pm PST

Pianist Hank Jones - A Photo Tribute - Images from the 2009 Detroit Jazz Festival : Hank Jones, pianist and jazz legend, beloved husband of Theodosia, dear uncle to his nieces and nephews across the country, friend to music, inspiration to countless musicians, died May 16, 2010 in New York City, after a brief illness. He was 91 years old, and would have been 92 on July 31st. Jones' longtime manager and Justin Time Records representative Jean-Pierre Leduc reflects "Today we celebrate his spirit, his gift, his joy, his wisdom and his friendship. Hank lived and breathed music, and was never far from a keyboard, even at the end. His incredible burst of productivity these last few years - concerts, recordings, fundraisers, clinics - was unprecedented and truly remarkable." Born in 1918 in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Hank Jones grew up in Pontiac, Michigan, the eldest of the acclaimed Jones Family, which included trumpeter, composer and bandleader Thad Jones and drummer Elvin Jones. Jones started playing in local bands in Michigan, Ohio and Buffalo before moving to New York City in 1943. His first job was with Hot Lips Page at the Onyx Club on 52nd Street where in 1945 he joined Billy Eckstine's big band. The following year he joined Coleman Hawkins and from 1947 to 1951 he toured the world with the Jazz at the Philharmonic (JATP) accompanying Ella Fitzgerald. In 1952 he joined Artie Shaw and then worked with Johnny Hodges followed by Tyree Glenn. In 1956 he joined Benny Goodman and the CBS studios as staff pianist in 1959, a position which would last for 17 years. Additionally, Jones accompanied Marilyn Monroe as she sang "Happy Birthday Mr. President" to John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden in 1962. Although the thought of retirement had crossed his mind, at 87, Jones stayed busy playing concerts worldwide, recording and performing at jazz master classes at various schools, such as Harvard University and New York University. Always the consummate professional, Hank Jones was one of the last surviving musicians from an era that helped forge this great musical genre called jazz. Throughout his career, Hank played and recorded with a virtual who's who of jazz history. With over five hundred albums and CDs recorded and countless concerts, there are not too many significant names in jazz that Hank did not play or record with. Most recently, he was involved in recordings and performances with the contemporaries such as Joe Lovano. Jones' recent awards include a Congressional Achievement Award, NEA Jazz Master (1989), induction in DownBeat Magazine's Jazz Hall of Fame (2009), Jazz Journalists Associations Pianist of the Year (2009) and a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award (2009). Jones released his most recent album, Pleased To Meet You, as a co-leader on Justin Time Records in October with label mate pianist Oliver Jones. Before his death, Jones recorded as a guest artist on a duets album with vocalist Hilary Kole, August 10 release on Justin Time. His final recording is an album of duets with bassist Charlie Haden, due out late this year on Universal France. He was scheduled to appear at Birdland in New York next week and had performances booked through next year. Information above from DL Media

Pianist Hank Jones - A Photo Tribute - Images from the 2009 Detroit Jazz Festival

Hank Jones, pianist and jazz legend, beloved husband of Theodosia, dea ...

Updated: May 17, 2010 10:46am PST

Tia Fuller Atlantic City 2011 :

Tia Fuller Atlantic City 2011

Updated: Oct 03, 2011 6:19am PST

Herbie Hancock Solo Piano The Kimmel Center : Herbie Hancock's solo piano tour 2011 at The Kimmel Center in Philadelphia PA. A review of the show by Karen Brundage-Johnson, can be found on The Jazz Times Magazine website http://jazztimes.com/articles/28679-herbie-hancock-solo-piano

Herbie Hancock Solo Piano The Kimmel Center

Herbie Hancock's solo piano tour 2011 at The Kimmel Center in Philadel ...

Updated: Oct 12, 2011 9:50am PST

Drummer George 'Butch' Ballard - A Photo Tribute : Drummer George “Butch” Ballard died Oct. 1 at age 92, at Cheltenham-York Road Nursing Center in Philadelphia. Ballard was known primarily for his stints with Count Basie and Duke Ellington. He also recorded with Louis Armstrong and others, and was said to have played on more than 300 recordings. He continued to play until recent years. In 2006 he received a Mellon Jazz Achievement Award; he donated the $5,000 check to the Philadelphia Clef Club, These photos were taken in 2004 when Butch was 85...there was no lack of energy or spirit.

Drummer George 'Butch' Ballard - A Photo Tribute

Drummer George “Butch” Ballard died Oct. 1 at age 92, at Cheltenham-Yo ...

Updated: Oct 12, 2011 9:57am PST

Sue Ford's Jazz Breakfast 2004 : The late Philadelphia Jazz advocate Sue Ford hosting her annual Jazz Breakfast in 2004

Sue Ford's Jazz Breakfast 2004

The late Philadelphia Jazz advocate Sue Ford hosting her annual Jazz B ...

Updated: Mar 03, 2012 12:09pm PST

Return To Forever - The Mann Center Philadelphia 2008 : Chic Corea, Lenny White and Stanley Clarke - Return to Forever and Bella Fleck and The Flecktones at The Mann Center For The Performing Arts 2008

Return To Forever - The Mann Center Philadelphia 2008

Chic Corea, Lenny White and Stanley Clarke - Return to Forever and Be ...

Updated: Apr 18, 2012 10:47am PST

Carlos Santana - The Borgata 2006 : Carlos Santana with Los Lonely Boys - The Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City, September 23, 2006

Carlos Santana - The Borgata 2006

Carlos Santana with Los Lonely Boys - The Borgata Hotel in Atlantic Ci ...

Updated: May 25, 2012 8:12am PST

Earth Wind and Fire - The Borgata Atlantic City : Earth Wind and Fire performing at The Borgata Hotel and Spa in Atlantic City New Jersey, September 22, 2012

Earth Wind and Fire - The Borgata Atlantic City

Earth Wind and Fire performing at The Borgata Hotel and Spa in Atlanti ...

Updated: Sep 24, 2012 9:24am PST

Diana Krall Glad Rag Doll Tour Borgata Atlantic City : Diana Krall performing her Glad Rag Doll concert at The Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City New Jersey on April 13, 2013

Diana Krall Glad Rag Doll Tour Borgata Atlantic City

Diana Krall performing her Glad Rag Doll concert at The Borgata Hotel ...

Updated: Apr 16, 2013 2:48pm PST