Blues Man
I photographed a local guitar player for a soon to be released CD last weekend. Gary Ferguson once played in South Texas on the Rock & Roll and Blues circuit. He has slung riffs with the likes of Billy Gibbons, Johnny Winter and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Kenny Rogers once borrowed a dollar from him.
Gary's favorite instrument is his 1956 Gretsch Duo Jet. The photos I took last weekend were for what may be the last album Gary will record. He has contracted Alzheimers, and is slowly losing his ability to play. I tried to capture the fragile slice of time that remains of his musical creativity for him.
Labels: Photographs
posted by Xavier at 10:04 PM
13 Comments:
I think you captured it in the top photo, anyway think it is the best of the 3 by far photograpically speaking. It is also a very intense subject study in one picture.
The one where he is hugging the guitar is also intense but the contrast in the lighting, or brightness of the face, as well as the glare on the chair has it losing its punch in my opinion. The subject matter of that one though is probably best of all - exccellent - and you caught it at just the right moment with him looking off as if to an uncertain future, or maybe one certain not to have music for him and him holding the guitar like a loved one, not wanting to give it up.
Very sad story indeed. I would not mind getting hold of his upcoming CD, if it is released or sold privately please let me know. I would like to herar the music that this intense looking man has made. Also please convey my best regards to him.
Thanks,
GB
Great pictures, X. The first one is particularly striking.
These are great, Trying to learn to that photographs instead of just pictures. Keep up the good work
I think the third one "says" it best. A talent clutching to the object that he used to express himself. The glare from the chair kind of reminds me of the edges of his reality. The far off look, reminds me of a person reflecting on his past...or even a look of resignation.
Anywho, all in all a great tableau.
Steve
Truly, one of the cruelest fates to face. The music is in the man, until it isn't. Then where does it go? Lucifer was the leader of the choir, until he wasn't. Is this spite?
(For all that I have qualification to comment, I like the third the best as most representative of the struggle; though the three together as tryptich paint an arc, not yet tragic... Life is hope. Good work.)
I dont know enough about photography to come up with a constructive critisism, but I know the amount of variables you encounter, when you leave the "sloppey snap-shot" and try to use the media to tell a story, oreate a specific feeling - and three concepts pops up in my mind -unsentimantal pride, intergrity and kindness - just my 2 cents - best
Bjørn
I like the first shot the best it shows an attitude of taking things head on. ( the musicians way)
I can feel his pain of loosing the ability. I have something similar PCS playing requires too much though to call it music anymore .
A great series! Your pictures portray the story very well. You truly are a multi-talented person. There are photographers and there are artists. In my opinion you fall in the latter category. I look forward to your future shoots.
I don't know much about photography, but I love blues. Please let us know when the CD is released.
I was scrolling down through the series and was hoping for one with him hugging the guitar and you didn't let me down!
Excellent work!
Beautiful shots, and a rare dignity in all aspects regarding his condition.In a CD cover, the first would be naturally the one. But for the back sleeve the last one would be my choice, no doubt. By the way, I presume you were using the AlienBees, correct?
Brilliant photos.
Yep Mello, I'm finally learning to fine tune the lights...........
Thank you for sharing this
-Jay
Post a Comment
<< Home