Sousaphone Reflections

The Essence of Jazz Fest, 2009.

It is essence that i seek to capture with my photographs. Essence of a performer, a person or an object.

During Jazzfest 2009, we had a secondline at the Fairgrounds for my friend and mentor Michael P. Smith.

I had had very little sleep, having been out in the clubs shooting night shows, and was all at once overcome with emotion.

Through tear-blurred eyes, I saw the reflection of the whole of Jazzfest in the Sousaphone bell in front of me.

I lifted my camera and shot a few frames.

And captured, I believe, the essence of Jazzfest.

This one's for you, Michael....

B.