When I was a little girl, my older brother Joe played jazz recordings for me and taught me how to identify each instrument by sound. Because of these basement lessons I learned how to distinguish an alto sax from a tenor sax, an oboe from a bassoon, brass from reeds, etc. Later, I played tenor saxophone in the Dominican High School (Detroit) band and orchestra. All of the musical instruments were visually intriguing. While we sat listening to our maestro, Larry Egan, talk about how he wanted us to interpret a piece or while he was guiding the mischievous and somewhat inept percussionist, I would look at the instruments around me; the sensual curves of the French horn, the playful slide of a trombone. Music still offers great joy and intrigue for me today not only aesthetically, but intellectually as well. PBS recently aired a compelling exposé entitled The Music Instinct/Science and Song which I highly recommend.
Until this year, it never occurred to me to combine my love of music with photography. Since I have a few friends in the instrument repair business, I decided to prevail upon them to loan me some of the junk pieces floating around their studios. Gary K. offered me some trombones, sousaphones and saxophones, and here are a few photos from today's shoot.
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It's interesting that I/we rarely think about aged instruments, at least not ones in less-than-working order. Cars...buildings...furniture yes, but not often the tools of a musician. Guess that's because they need to be in good working order. These photos remind us of the life, and death, they have also. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful, Jane. Some of my favorite guide covers have been tight shots of instruments; their lines, shape -- so fluid. Splendid.
ReplyDeleteJane! You inspire me! Last winter, I bought an old trumpet from an insturment repair guy to hang up in the Rabbit Hole. I hung up a trombone, clarinet, and saxaphone also - and for the same reasons as you. Just looking at them as art is enough, but to think someone expressed themselves musically with them, makes them more special. That trumpet I bought looked very old with very fancy etchings on it. I wish it could talk! I'm sure it has some stories. Joe
ReplyDeleteCreative... evocative... wonderful!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots Jane! Those instruments look like they've been loved! Almost like if you put your ear up to them they'd sing you their stories! Very cool. : )
ReplyDeleteI love all the colors that you've captured in metal! color and form- its the best!
ReplyDeletelove, Sheila
Did I hear you say Larry Egan? I had him for Freshman band class at Regina. And I grew into another mischevious, inept percussionist!
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