There are moments when your lens simply isn't enough, and your eyes blur, overwhelmed by the emotion of the scene. It's in these moments that the profound 'why' behind photographing Jazz becomes abundantly clear. (Photo) NEA Jazz Master Sonny Rollins and NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Heath (1926-2020) at The Allen Room, Lincoln Center, NYC. ©2016"

This exact moment is the genesis of my "Three Generations of Jazz" project. It's a single photograph that speaks volumes about the history of Jazz in NYC, showcasing the profound connections between our ancestors, mentors, and current jazz musicians throughout my photographic journey from 1990 to the present. Pictured with the Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars Big Band are: NEA Jazz Master Frank Wess (1922-2013), NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Heath (1926-2020), Roy Hargrove (1969-2018), John Lee (bass), Mark Gross (saxophone), Antonio Hart (saxophone), and Frank Basile (saxophone). ©2012

Documenting two incredible giants of jazz, NEA Jazz Master Herbie Hancock and NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Heath (1926-2020), backstage at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, was undoubtedly one of the most memorable moments of my career. The energy in that space, capturing such legendary figures, was truly unforgettable. (Photo) NEA Jazz Master Herbie Hancock and NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Heath (1926-2020) backstage at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC. ©2016

Captured in 2016, Terell Stafford during a rehearsal at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington D.C., alongside Jimmy Heath and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band, with NEA Jazz Master Herbie Hancock visible in the background. ©2016

I arrived in NYC in 1990. The times of the "Young Lions", among that group : Christian McBride, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Roy Hargrove (1969-2018), Gregory Hutchinson and Benny Green and somehow me taking photos. Sometimes the silence between notes creates the entire story. NEA JAZZ MASTER RON CARTER AND BENNY GREEN, DIZZY'S COCA COLA, LINCOLN CENTER NY C2012

Captured backstage at The Allen Room, Lincoln Center, on what was a truly joyful day: Jimmy Heath's birthday celebration. We were all there, 35 artists strong, honoring Master Heath. This photo features Jon Faddis. ©2016

NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Heath (1926-2020) backstage at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C. This private moment was captured just before he joined NEA Jazz Master Herbie Hancock and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band on stage. ©2016

This photograph captures a truly significant moment in our contemporary Jazz history, taken at Birdland Jazz Club. It features NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron and NEA Jazz Master Frank Wess (1922-2013). To my knowledge, this is one of very few, if any, photos taken that evening. It was a night I'll never forget; I can still hear it vividly in my memory as if I were there now. ©2011

Photographing a Big Band is one of my favorite challenges. It's incredibly demanding and exhausting, yet so thrilling—a continuous dance to follow 16 musicians through their intricate musical conversations and dynamic section interactions. Each performance is uniquely different, offering endless moments and photographic possibilities to capture. Pictured: Christian McBride directing his Big Band at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, NYC. ©2014

Nea Jazz Master Ron Carter's Birthday Celebration at the Blue Note, NYC. Featuring Javon Jackson and Roy Hargrove (1969-2018), this image captures Hargrove's last live appearance at the Blue Note ©2017

A poignant photo from NEA Jazz Master Ron Carter's (b. 1937) birthday celebration at the Blue Note, NYC, in 2017, featuring Russell Malone (b. 1963 - d. 2024) . Malone's recent passing adds a layer of sorrow to this cherished memory. ©2017

GENERATIONS: NEA Jazz Master Albert "Tootie" Heath (b. 1935 - d. 2024), Emmet Cohen (b. 1990), Russell Hall (b. 1994), and Benny Golson (b. 1929 - d. 2024). Photographed at Yamaha Recording Studios, NYC. ©2017

Backstage at the Blue Note NYC, 2017: A historic gathering for NEA Jazz Master Ron Carter's (b. 1937) birthday celebration, featuring Roy Hargrove (b. 1969 - d. 2018), Javon Jackson (b. 1965), Donald Vega (b. 1974) on piano, and Lewis Nash (b. 1958) on drums. ©2017

Captured in 2016, Jon Faddis (b. 1953) and Grammy-nominated Melissa Aldana (b. 1988) join the festivities at the Allen Room, Lincoln Center, honoring NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Heath (b. 1926 - d. 2020) on his birthday

TRUMPET SUMMIT : This was a celebration not only as a show for the public but backstage, it was the birthday celebration of Master Jimmy Heath ( 1926-2020) . We were all there, the Big Band, Sonny Rollins, Slide Hampton, Tootie Heath and all the generations, the three of them form NYC.

Kirk Lightsey (b. 1937 - d. 2022), a highly esteemed pianist particularly known for his bebop and post-bop work, performs at the Detroit Jazz Festival in 2016, a year which also celebrated the 90th birthday of fellow jazz piano legend Randy Weston (b. 1926 - d. 2018). ©2016

Russell Malone (b. 1963 - d. 2024) performing with the NEA Jazz Master Ron Carter Nonet at the Detroit Jazz Festival in 2016. In this photo, NEA Jazz Master Ron Carter (b. 1937) is visible in the background. Russell Malone was Ron Carter's esteemed guitarist for many years, and his recent passing marks a significant loss to the jazz world. ©2016

A rare studio glimpse from 2011 in Brooklyn, featuring Roy Hargrove (b. 1969 – d. 2018), Larry Willis (b. 1942 – d. 2019), Dwayne Burno (b. 1970 – d. 2013), Justin Robinson (b. 1968), and Willie Jones III (b. 1968) during a recording session. ©2011

Nea Jazz Master Lee Konitz (1927-2020) performing at the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, Tompkins Square, New York City, with Dan Tepfer in the background. This performance honored generations of jazz artists. ©2013

NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron (b. 1943) at the Blue Note Jazz Club, NYC, celebrating the birthday of NEA Jazz Master Ron Carter (b. 1937) in 2018. This photo captures not just the music, but the profound artistry found in the silence between notes, a testament to their deep connection. ©2018

Backstage at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, 2011: NEA Jazz Master Cedar Walton (b. 1934 – d. 2013) and Mulgrew Miller (b. 1955 – d. 2013) share a moment during Walton's performance. A rare glimpse of two piano titans. ©2011

A glimpse of NEA Jazz Master Cedar Walton's (b. 1934 - d. 2013) famous dry humor, captured backstage at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola as he holds an umbrella indoors on a rainy night during his show. Todd Barkan (b. 1946) is also in frame. ©2011

A rare backstage glimpse at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola in 2010, featuring a legendary lineup: the iconic NEA Jazz Master Cedar Walton (b. 1934 – d. 2013), joined by Grammy-winning drummer Willie Jones III (b. 1968), dynamic saxophonist Vincent Herring (b. 1964), rock-solid bassist David "Happy" Williams (b. 1946), and innovative trombonist Steve Turre (b. 1948).

Roy Hargrove (b. 1969 – d. 2018) and Cyrus Chestnut (b. 1963) backstage at the Blue Note, NYC. This photo was taken during a performance featuring Roy Hargrove with the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band, likely around 2015. ©

CHARLIE PARKER JAZZ FESTIVAL

ABSTRACT JAZZ COLLECTION