Linda May Han Oh

Linda May Han Oh at Southampton Arts Center 2023

Immediately after my photo exhibition & reception @southamptonartscenter came a real treat: listening & photographing the transcendent performance of the fabulous musician @lindamayhanoh who performed with the @fabianalmazan quartet .

Photographing Wynton

My life as a photographer has transported me to many a significant place and moment. My role as Official Photographer for the Hamptons Jazz Festival now has added a special one to the list: documenting the 4th of July weekend concert by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.

When I first moved to New York, I coincidentally moved to an apartment on Duke Ellington Boulevard (West 106th Street). Another twist had me happening into a bar on Broadway a few blocks up where I followed the sound of music into a back room & first heard the great Russell Procope and his band Ellingtonia. Mr. Procope had been a clarinetist in the Duke’s band. I was hooked and became a regular at his appearances there.

Now, I was at Southampton Arts Center to hear the master, Wynton Marsalis, and this incredible ensemble of mesmerizing soloists perform an entire evening of Ellington compositions. The sound was amazing, the musicianship off the charts. There is nothing quite like being in the presence of this music LIVE!

Mr. Marsalis sat with the other trumpeters in the back row (as someone mentioned to me: always closest to the rhythm section) and at the SAC this meant on a riser just in front of their array of organ pipes. He stayed seated the entire evening even as he played the role of MC, announcing the program, the numbers, and his fellow players. His voice has a mellifluous tone and he weaves a spell with stories of history, anecdotes, and the cultural importance of music especially in our current time. The backdrop of the organ pipes was perfectly suited as it often felt like being in a place of worship with an honored minister conducting a sermon. It all makes sense as EDUCATION is a major part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center’s mission.

His own playing, of course, was indescribably incredible. Refusing the spotlight for the entirety of the program, Marsalis remained a member of the ensemble. As one might imagine this offered a unique challenge towards securing a singular image of him. Yet having team access as I did allowed me to find the one tiny window I could to photograph him while playing. This meant dusting the floor of yet another auditorium with the seat of my trousers which, by this point in my career I am well used to. I got as low as I could alongside the rising stage and photographed through the music stands. For me, compositionally, it was a great vantage point and using my long lens gave me a singular view for watching the concentration, intensity, emotion, command and the cool of this Master at work. BONUS: I was given quite the rush when he provided me THE photo op of looking straight at me and my camera for just long enough to result in my “keeper."

Art & Transformation - the Ukrainian Village Voices

An Assembled Portrait of the Ukrainian Village Voices

Prior to photographing an event I always make sure to scout the location and run-of-show. That was how I learned that an unannounced opening musical piece had been added to this year’s AMP Awards. First the screens would display title cards accompanied by silence that reminded everyone it had been three months to the day that Russian forces had invaded Ukraine in an act of war followed by a refugee crisis the likes of which has not been seen since World War II. In acknowledgement and support of the Ukrainian struggle, AMP organizers had asked the 14-member a cappella Ukrainian Village Voices to perform a folk song in their native tongue.

When I learned of this I made it my business to arrive early at the venue, Sony Theatre in order to watch the sound check. These tech and blocking warmups are always a great way to study what’s going to happen in advance so as not to miss any key visual moments during the performance.

I found the piece incredibly moving and the group’s harmonies exceptional. It was an incredible reminder of the transformative power and necessity of art in times of harsh realities.

Having a few extra moments before the house opened, I hustled three levels down in the bowels of the building below West 46th Street to the dressing rooms. I asked UVV if they’d pose for a group photo. I wanted to get a good portrait of everyone and due to the size of the group, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to return to an old technique of mine: the assembled portrait. They were game but of course “where?” was the question of the moment. Given the few moments that we had the stairwell, ironically painted deep red, was the best place to work.

In addition, I’ve created a very short video to provide an example of the piece performed.

Thanks to the Ukrainian Village Voices and, once again, to the AMP organizing team Georg Bissen, Jeff Rosner, Matt Miller, Al Risi, Phil Schuster and Anthony Vagnoni for staging an awards show that goes beyond the boundaries of what is expected, for reminding us that what we do is important, and making this show one of the most exciting to witness and document.

#montaukphotographer #hattrickstudio #ukrainianvillagevoices #standwithukraine #amp2022 #stopthewar

Thanks to the UVV and, once again, to the AMP organizing team Georg Bissen, Jeff Rosner, Matt Miller, Al Risi, Phil Schuster and Anthony Vagnoni for staging an awards show that goes beyond the boundaries of what is expected, for reminding us that what we do is important, and making this show one of the most exciting to witness and document.

#montaukphotographer #hattrickstudio #ukrainianvillagevoices #standwithukraine #amp2022 #stopthewar

Três Reis de Lisboa

Meanwhile, back in Lisbon . . .

Liz and I took a walk along the beautiful promenade by the River Tagus. It was a Saturday and the sun came out after several days of rain and clouds. It seemed like the entire city was strolling with us. Like anywhere, we passed several buskers and artists, all very talented. But as we approached the expanse Praça do Comercio there came a beat. My ears perked up. We made our way through the small crowd that had gathered around and there we encountered three kings bearing the gifts of amazing drumming. They were at the edge of the rounded corniche that leads to the centuries old boat launch. Liz and I took an empty spot immediately behind them as the vista of the three men, the crowd and the huge Praça on that sunny day was an enthralling vision. . . .

It was so much so that I spontaneously started video recording the moment. The results can be seen and HEARD on my new blog post -- (the link is in my bio). Please check it out. It's only a little over a minute long and I think you'll enjoy it. And while you're on my site please take a look around -- I've been updating and adding some new work so there's other stuff to see as I work my way "back in the groove." Thanx!!
#montaukphotographer #lisbon #hattrickstudio #streetmusic #busking #drumming #travelphotooftheday#travelphotography