Michael Barnett

I have long believed that one's ability to relate to one's fellow musicians off the band stand is as important is one's ability to relate on the bandstand.  This is usually referred to as the "art of the hang".  I first met Michael Barnett around 1998 or so, as he had just moved to Seattle from the Chicago area.  Playing in a little club along with saxophonist, Rob Davis, Michael impressed us not only with his musicianship, but with his personable nature.  Michael knows how to hang.

Easily one of the smartest people I've ever met, Michael gradually reveals himself.  Never pretentious, boastful or self-aggrandizing in any way, Michael's depth is gradually uncovered as everyday conversation moves from place to place.  I don't think I've ever met someone who knows so much about so many things who never feels a need to prove it.

Michael plays music with the same modesty.  He approaches each situation with fresh ears and ideas, truly interested in serving the music of the moment.  It's no surprise that Michael is one of the handful of musicians I know who has made a living playing jazz, without the need to augment his income via teaching or some other profession.

As you may have concluded, I'm a big fan not only of Michael's playing, but of the man he is.  I knew early on I wanted to include him in this project.  When conceptualizing the photo we would create, I initially thought about the fact that Michael is an avid golfer and thought about somehow tying that into his portrait.  It's been about a year since shooting Michael's image, so I'm not sure why I passed on that initial idea.  What we ended up doing was having Michael simply play his bass in the studio.  I observed him playing for some time and eventually caught him making the gesture you see in the image.  I had him reproduce the position, ultimately decided to bring another light around to brighten his face, and we were done.  Very easy.

The things I really like about the image: first the line of the bass and his body, his arms, and the contrary position of his head, second, the texture of the bass creates a wonderful contrast to the smooth background and Michael's plain white shirt.    Finally, I love that it, although ultimately a crafted pose, has the feel of an improvised moment.  The pose shows a connection between player and instrument, ear and string, heart and sound.

My thanks to Michael for participating in this project.


His interview can be found at:

http://seattlejazzscene.com/?p=3727

Michael's site can be found here:

http://www.mikebarnettonbass.com/

Technical info:

The image was shot with a Mamiya RZ 67 using Kodak TriX 400.

The main light was a Profoto Compact 600 through a Mola Demi.

The light on Michael's face was provided by a Profoto Compact 600 through a 20 degree grid.

Triggered by Pocket Wizards

Greta Matassa

Singer, Greta Matassa, is one of the finest musicians I know.  There are few I have encountered who come from such an organic, pure place as Greta.

When planning her photo shoot, I wanted to capture her down to earth nature.  One thing many may not know about Greta is that she can hit a jump shot from 15 feet.  Shooting hoops in her backyard is a favorite pastime when the musicians take a break from one of her vocal workshops.  She'll come out and clean up the court, nailing shot after shot.  This led me to my first photographic idea.  Since Greta is such an anti-diva, I thought it would be funny to put her in a ball gown, on a basketball court, shooting hoops.  I can't imagine Greta willing wearing a ball gown, she's simply not the type to adorn herself with the artificial trappings of glamour.  As I said, she's the furthest thing from a diva.  Her voice and personality thrives on it's honesty.  She is both powerful and graceful, both witty and poignant.

As you can see, the initial image didn't happen.  I think Greta was a little concerned about looking silly and I don't blame her.  I love creating humorous images but never at the risk of making my subject feel uncomfortable or misrepresented.  Plan B is the image you see and I'm glad we went this route.  Greta came as herself, and I did my best to create a simple image that represents her.  When I look at this image, I see an approachable, honest, artist with a magnificent instrument, who never holds back are hides behind a facade.

Her interview can be found at:

http://seattlejazzscene.com/?p=3551

Greta's site can be found here:

http://www.gretamatassa.com/

Technical info:

The image was shot with a Canon 5D MK II w/ef 24-70 2.8L USM at f/16 1/160th, ISO 100.

The lighting was provided by a Profoto Compact 600, bar bulb at low power to provide fill.

The main light was a Profoto Compact 600 through a Mola Demi with a grid.

Triggered by Pocket Wizards