Rick Henry’s Jazz Art: Original Photos and Graphics Pay Tribute to Jazz Musicians

Rick Henry’s Jazz Art: Original Photos and Graphics Pay Tribute to Jazz Musicians

- By Irene Economou

“Rick Henry’s Jazz Art” by author and graphic designer, Rick Henry, is a book that combines his original, digitally rendered graphics and photos with his love for jazz musicians. Each graphic is accompanied by a one-page summary of highlights about each jazz musician. The digital enhancement of each graphic creates visuals bursting with rich colors and unusual depth. What I especially like about this book is the strong visual focus that directs our senses to appreciating jazz musicians from a different perspective. It’s a fascinating concept. I wanted to better understand how this idea came about and Rick’s thinking process to make it happen, so I asked him a series of questions about this project. I hope that his responses also answer many of your questions, too.

Irene Economou (IE): Rick, there are a lot of books today written about jazz musicians, but none that I have seen that combine the concept of using a graphic visual to associate with a jazz musician. What was your inspiration for making such a book that focuses on what you are calling jazz art?

Rick Henry (RH): It really was a case of happenstance. I was looking at one of my Facebook photo albums that I call "Rick's Jazz Art." This is a place where I keep some of my more unusual or abstract digital art. At that time I thought that I would really enjoy making a book containing jazz art created with drawings and photographs that I edited with digital software that were dedicated to my favorite jazz artists.

IE: The experience is somewhat esoteric, isn’t it? What is it about jazz music that speaks to your soul? How exactly does it make you feel? Is it only jazz, or can you get this feeling with other kinds of music?

RH: It's the overall feel of the music, the blending of instruments that just seeps right into my heart and soul. Yes, other types of music also reach into my inner being, especially many forms of alternative rock. A good electric guitar part can always send me to that point of "chill."

IE: There are so many jazz musicians, both past and present. Rick, how did you decide on the ones that you chose to focus on?

RH: I wrote the names of about 70 of my favorite jazz musicians on raffle tickets and put them into a box and randomly chose 24 names. Those are the ones that ended up in my book. I also chose the order in which they appear in the book in the same way with the exception of Miles Davis. I reserved the last two pages of the book for him, because Miles is the most influential jazz musician of all-time.

IE: You mention in the introduction of your book that it was Ornette Colman that first intrigued you in jazz music. Is he your favorite jazz musician? If not, who would you say is your all-time favorite? What makes him/her top of your list?

RH: I love too many jazz musicians to have a favorite, but Ornette is in my top ten. He was my first exposure to real jazz music. I discovered him in 1981 when I was working in a music store. One of the guys that worked there used to play Ornette quite a bit, and his avant-garde style really caught my attention.

IE: I saw a documentary recently about jazz musicians, and I remember that Ornette Coleman was viewed as being very progressive and a real game changer.

RH: Yes, that is one of the things I love about Ornette. I have always been attracted to cutting-edge, game-changing music.

IE: In your opinion, how does jazz music today compare with jazz music in the past?

RH: Great jazz music is great no matter what era it was made. I do feel that the 70s is jazz music's greatest decade. That's when it reached its artistic and experimental peak. But really there is a lot of great jazz music being made today. Mind you, I do not consider easy listening, instrumental music to be jazz. There is a big difference between true jazz and easy listening.

IE: Do you feel that jazz music is timeless?

RH: Yes! But isn't that really all about one’s personal taste in music?

IE:  I suppose you are right about that. We are the ones that determine what music is timeless for ourselves based on our own perspective and choices.  I see your point.

Moving on, how familiar are you with each of the jazz musicians you are featuring in your book? Do you own works performed by each of them?

RH: I own music of all the musicians in my book and have a musical bond to each of them.  I am very familiar with the music of each of these 24 musicians.

IE: That’s awesome! Tell me more about the photos/original art you included in this project. Did you create new pieces for your book, or did you work with existing artwork and photos and modify them?

RH: All but one of the images are new creations made specifically for the book and each musician.

IE: I’m curious as to how you matched the graphics with each musician. Was it based on a feeling, or did you know something special about a particular musician that drove the design process and matching?

RH: All the images were based mostly on the actual music itself, and the colors and moods of what I sense from the music. Now, on the other hand, the image for "Brother Jack McDuff” was based mostly on his love of food.

IE: I have to admit that photo of the peas, potatoes and tomatoes that you used for Jack McDuff is very appetizing!! Continuing with this thought, Rick, would you pick a few other examples from your book and tell us why that particular graphic was paired with the given jazz musician?

RH: Certainly! For Twin Danger, I created an image that has a sort of dangerous look to it. It has low, blue flames of fire surrounding two (twin) circles of emptiness. In thinking about Thelonious Monk, I find that his music is somewhat rustic, yet sensational. The image with the water bottles emphasizes the feel of everyday life, yet it is encased with abstract colors and a dramatic red background giving the image a sort of sensationalism. When it comes to Hermann Szobel, his music is out of this world, cutting edge and a universe all its own.

IE: Some of your photos/graphics focus on objects that are easy to identify. But many of the photos fall into the realm of abstract art. What are the objects in each of the abstract photos?

RH: That's just it! The objects in the more abstract images are no more than abstract drawings of abstract feelings.

IE: Thank you for reminding me that feelings can be the inspiration for an artist's creation.

I like how you styled the book to be two pages per musician, with one page as the visual graphic and the adjacent page highlights of the musician, with concise details that include the genres, highlighted albums, collaborators, nicknames, and interesting trivia and facts. I also like your use of bright, colorful backgrounds for each of the pages, too. It’s very appealing done this way!

RH: Thank you! It looked good to me so I went with it. I always attempt to design text so that it is easy and quick to read.

IE: The cover of your book is especially intriguing. I think it’s pretty cool! What can you tell us about it? What are the steps you took to arrive at this design?

RH: Believe it or not, I was actually trying to take a photo of my car battery, which is in my trunk. It was starting to get dark outside, but I decided to take the photo anyway. When I looked at the photo, instead of seeing a battery, I saw a picture of just the shadow of my head. I realized that I had accidentally changed the camera orientation to take a selfie photo.  I thought it was pretty interesting and unexpected, so I decided to work with it. I uploaded it into Photoshop and with my iPhoto editor added the other particles of the image – multiple colors, confetti, etc.

IE: That’s pretty funny, Rick! Accidental photos can be amazing. I’m glad you decided to be flexible and spontaneous with the photograph that you ended up with because the final resulting cover is pretty outstanding!

Looking into the future, I understand you are planning to do a sequel jazz art book that will include more original graphics and photos and different jazz musicians. What is your estimated timing for it?

RH: The sequel will most likely be released in late 2017. Right now I am working on two books, one about my mom called "Tears for My Mother" and a Donna Summer album-by-album book. After those two are completed I will start working on a Pink Floyd book along with Jazz Art II.

IE: Wow, you are going to be one busy person!

RH: Going to be? I already am busier than ever... and here I was going to try and lighten my load.

IE: Thank you, Rick! This was extremely informative! I have been enjoying “Rick Henry’s Jazz Art” very much and have it out on display on my coffee table for guests to enjoy. I also purchased two extra copies to give, as gifts to a couple of my friends that I know will enjoy the photography as well as the info about these musicians. Your next few projects sound very interesting, too. I will look forward to seeing them as well as your next book on jazz art.

Best wishes on all of your projects, Rick!

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For More Information:

Check out the video about “Rick Henry's Jazz Art” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8Ec9c-G-Gw

Visit Rick Henry’s Facebook page, “Jazz Music Exploration” dedicated to jazz music at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/699523530116816/

You can purchase “Rick Henry’s Jazz Art” exclusively from Amazon.com at the following worldwide sites:

USA:

https://www.amazon.com/Rick-Henrys-Jazz-Art-Henry/dp/1533487227/178-8197791-4948466?ie=UTF8&redirect=true&tag=populasongsmu-20

United Kingdom:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rick-Henrys-Jazz-Art-Henry/dp/1533487227/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464792220&sr=8-1&keywords=rick+henry%27s+jazz+art

Brazil:

https://www.amazon.com.br/Rick-Henrys-Jazz-Art/dp/1533487227/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464791569&sr=8-1&keywords=rick+henry%27s+jazz+art

Canada:

https://www.amazon.ca/Rick-Henrys-Jazz-Art-Henry/dp/1533487227/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464791432&sr=8-1&keywords=rick+henry%27s+jazz+art

France:

https://www.amazon.fr/Rick-Henrys-Jazz-Art-Henry/dp/1533487227/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464791667&sr=8-1&keywords=rick+henry%27s+jazz+art

Germany:

https://www.amazon.de/Rick-Henrys-Jazz-Art-Henry/dp/1533487227/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464791620&sr=8-1&keywords=rick+henry%27s+jazz+art

India:

http://www.amazon.in/Rick-Henrys-Jazz-Art-Henry/dp/1533487227?ie=UTF8&keywords=Rick+Henry%27s+jazz+art&qid=1464791721&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Italy:

https://www.amazon.it/Rick-Henrys-Jazz-Art-Henry/dp/1533487227/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464791815&sr=8-1&keywords=rick+henry%27s+jazz+art

Japan:

https://www.amazon.co.jp/Rick-Henrys-Jazz-Art-Henry/dp/1533487227/376-1649318-7017103?ie=UTF8&keywords=rick%20henry%27s%20jazz%20art&qid=1464791899&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Mexico:

https://www.amazon.com.mx/Rick-Henrys-Jazz-Art/dp/1533487227/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464792020&sr=8-1&keywords=rick+henry%27s+jazz+art

Spain:

https://www.amazon.es/Rick-Henrys-Jazz-Art-Henry/dp/1533487227/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464792111&sr=8-1&keywords=rick+henry%27s+jazz+art

Rick Henry's Jazz Art 

Illuminated Signs in Las Vegas written by Marie Barocci

Illuminated signs in Las Vegas written by Marie Barocci

Illuminated signs in Las Vegas

When you think about illuminatedsigns the first thing that comes to your mind is THE STRIP IN LAS VEGAS. In fact Las Vegas is maybe one of the most illuminated streets in the entire world. In this street there are so many types of illuminated signs as the most famous one the Las Vegas sign. The street is approximately 6.8 km long and has a unique distinction of being a scenic route during night time.

As you decide to create an illuminated sign the most important thing is that it is to be seen by a maximum of people. In fact those signs are there to attract the attention to the Las Vegas visitors. The passant must be impressed by the size and the brightness of those illuminated signs. 

 

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The goal of those huge signs is that we remember it as long as possible. If you are able to create such an attractive illuminated sign you will for sure catch the attention in a second and this is what happens in Las Vegas. Most of the people know this night life city for its attracting illuminated sign. The more illuminated and creative the sign is, the more the people will remember it and be amazed!

Obviously the most famous one in the strip is the Las Vegas one, which was created in the early 1959. The sign was designed by Betty Willis.

Could you imagine for a second the sign of Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada out of power? Did you know that it actually happened? In 1999 the sign went dark for about a month when the company that had been paying the power bill was bought by another company, who did not pay the bill. The power was turned back on as soon as the problem was discovered. Did you also know that as the original illuminated sign of “Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas was too far from the Las Vegas strip? Due to that, in 2002 Las Vegas council decided to build a new one on the boulevard of Las Vegas.

  Let’s have a look at the M&M sign in Las Vegas. To be more attractive they don’t only have their logo on it. It is a pretty attractive one and it makes you want to enter the shop and buy something.  You may have never thought about this before, but an attracting sign will obviously make you want to enter and probably buy at the end. This works! All those signs in Las Vegas have to be seen during the whole night as it is the city that never sleeps, therefore all hotels, shops; casinos on the Strip have illuminated signs! Let’s hope the city will never be out of power!!!

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We Will Rock You: The High Earning Musical at the Dominion written by Angelina

We Will Rock You: The High Earning Musical at the Dominion written by Angelina

Angelina is a freelance writer who primarily writes reviews on films and stage plays in the UK. Much of her work appears on the Box Office website which can be found at http://www.boxoffice.co.uk/.

This article is a review on the musical, "We Will Rock You" which is based on the music of the rock band Queen. The play is currently showing at the Dominion Theater in Camden (London, England).

Thank you Angelina for you contribution to The Guest Writer Blog.

We Will Rock You: the high earning musical at the Dominion

Based on music by the band Queen, and named after one of their most popular hits, the musical We Will Rock You has become one of the Dominion Theatre’s most popular productions. Now in its eleventh year, and on its 400th show, We Will Rock You has gone on to break box office records and is now the most successful production showing in the capital. This production has become the highest earning musical at the Dominion Theatre, and during the final week of 2008 managed to bring in an audience of 20,000; making it the show with the highest attendance for the entire year.

The Dominion Theatre is the perfect venue for a powerhouse musical like We Will Rock You. For years the Dominion has played host to some of the most famous stage shows around. Some of these include: Grease, The Sound of Music, South Pacific, and Beauty and the Beast, as well as a host of others. In the beginning the Dominion Theatre had trouble maintaining a sufficient audience base until it was converted in order to play films as well. The theatre remained this way until it began showing live performances once again in the 1950s. With the production of South Pacific in 1958, and the production of The Sound of Music in the 1960s, the status of the Dominion as the premiere location for great theatre on the West End was sealed. To this day the Dominion Theatre continues to feature great shows to entice audiences to return again and again.

We Will Rock You tells the story of a future where individuality is no longer allowed. The planet's youth must all dress alike, think alike, watch the same entertainment and listen to the same music consisting of only boy bands and girl bands. Luckily on Planet Mall a resistance movement is growing. Young rebels are trying to bring back a time known as the Rhapsody, when people were able to form their own bands and write their own songs. The rebels began searching for a fabled mighty axe (guitar) that is now buried deep within rock. Legend tells them that this instrument once belonged to a great guitar god, and a new hero is needed to pull the legendary guitar from the stone. Featuring nineteen Queen classics, We Will Rock You is a journey into another world that enchants audiences and leaves them wanting more. 

The Dark Poetry of Priyanka Dey

Priyanka Dey is an introspective writer. Her thoughts come from deep inside her soul and contain a sense of darkness with a hidden touch of joy. Her words burst right off the page and gently hit hard.

-Randall Webb

A few words from Priyanka:
 I have been a scribbler since I could gather my senses. I observe a lot of things happening around me. Some with me, some with the people associated to me. All of it affects me, directly or indirectly. People who read my poems often joke about how every poem can be used for writing a novel. Well I wish I could actually sit down and pen them so. But writing Prose is so very different than writing Poetry. Poetry to me, is like that inner voice, which makes you feel Alive. Do visit my Neverland (blog), and you'll hopefully understand what I mean! :)
 http://www.priyankazneverland.blogspot.com/

1.The Curse

The taint is too daunty to the soul
To be camouflaged into an exemplary role
The holocaust is scarried not without
But deep within.

Your high pitched voice
Still echoes like a distant cry
My mind still shudders with fright,
Like there is a storm outside.

But it resides beneath the skin
A tempest,that burns inside
The curses pinch like glaring eyes
That stared at me, as I hid my self, or rather my 'malice'.

Daddy left you, i wish he didn't
I know he hit you,
And you cried
But did you see that I prayed for you
Of how my little soul slowly died?

Everytime you twisted my arm and wringed me to the ground
I scathed and pleaded
While you hit me, made me blue eyed.
People at high school called me names
Sometimes mad, gothic n maniac
And others thought I was a confused whore
They mocked at me, pinched me around
As I kept applying some more makeup
To hide the bruises, that showed.

The Curses, hurt though the cuts have gone
Tears have dried but my heart is numb
You cursed me Mommy, now look at me
A failed marriage, a heart broken me
As I await to kill another life
Abort the life that is forming inside
I failed as a daughter, you told me I would fail
But I won't let one more Amanda be born
And die a death every single day she'd live
Look what you cursed me into, Ma
I live a living death,
as I await to abort her, my baby..
She won't be cursed. No more.

2.The Murder

And I wiped off the stains

from my dress, now a pale white

Nevermind, I have done my job

Yes! I'd won the fight.

The untouched tea, a witness of my act

was flushed away, into the sink

as I washed the last traces of the vestiges

into the flow of water, it was all lost and gone.

I suddenly felt the surge of victory within

and I laughed out my pride

as I recalled the murder I'd committed,

Of the poor little Mice!

The Changing Ways of Education in the Computer Age written by Samantha Gary

The Changing Ways of Education in the Computer Age

Written by Samantha Gary

Computers have done many things for our society—there's no denying this. We could (and many have) go on and on about how revolutionary computer technology has been for the current age. Today "the computer age" means so much more than it did even 10 years ago. In just a decade, the "computer age" has become the "age of the internet". Computers and the online world too have done endless things for the betterment of our society. Education is one area that the online world and computer technology have influenced greatly. As the world of computer technology continues to play a larger role in our everyday lives, the world of online education and the online classroom have gained more attention and acceptance. Of course, with anything there are both merits and disadvantages to how the online world and computer age have influenced education.

Accessibility to Higher Ed

For some time, online education was frowned upon in the academic world. With a history of focusing on reputation, the higher education world took some time to adapt to the idea of online learning. However, today many online schools and online learning platforms are praised by academic and student alike. One merit of modern computer technology and online education is broader accessibility to higher academia. Where at one time a college degree was limited to those who had the money and flexibility to attend college for four years at a brick and mortar institution, online degree programs have opened up new avenues for the non-traditional student. More and more people are earning degrees while also maintaining fulltime jobs or raising a family with the help of online learning and computer technology.

Access to Resources

The undeniable merit of modern technology and the online world is immediate and vast access to educational resources. With tools like Wikipedia, TED, Khan Academy, and so much more, students of any age have access to endless knowledge and tools for learning. These resources help students understand topic they've explored in school, introduce them to new and exciting topics, and provide a more thorough understanding of academic issues. The web is a vast expanse of useful information and tools that students, parents, and teachers can all utilize to better experience the educational world and academic material. Online platforms have made it easier for collaborative learning across cultures and the online educational world has broadened our perspective as human beings.

Possibility of Misinformation

While vast amount of information can be an extremely positive thing, it also comes with its setbacks. Because the web offers a completely open experience, there is the ever-looming possibility of misinformation. This issue in academics often comes up when discussing online research and Wikipedia. Because anyone can make a claim and post it somewhere online, the validity of information found online should be examined. While many of the tools and resources out there work to provide useful and educational material, there is always the possibility of mistake. While this can make online research more difficult and brings a somewhat negative perspective to online learning, the web should not be discredited for its usefulness. Technology has given the educational world so much. With greater accessibility to quality learning material, there comes greater accessibility to bad learning material.

Samantha Gray is an expert in online education and a freelance writer. Pursuing an online bachelor's degree is often fraught with myths and misconceptions. Samantha shows her readers the way. She wants to hear your feedback and ideas, too, at samanthagray024@gmail.com.

How We Communicate Through Digital Devices by Rob Pell

Rob Pell is a freelance writer who works in the field of digital communications.

You can visit Rob's website @  http://www.simplifydigital.co.uk/broadband/

Thank you Rob for your contribution to The Guest Writer Blog

How We Communicate Through Digital Devices

Written by Rob Pell

The digital age has made the spread, flow and reception of information far easier, so it’s no wonder that it has also dramatically altered the ways in which we communicate with one another. Traditional factors that drove conversation in bygone ages have disappeared and been replaced with new methods of communication.

Even the dynamics of communication have changed; once upon a time we had to be where we said we were going to be at any given time, now this is not the case. The increased reliability of digital communication devices that can be used on the move has, in turn, allowed humans to become less reliable.

Whether this has made us better communicators or worse communicators is a matter of debate. What is certain though is that the ability to send a text to a friend explaining that we will be late or requesting to meet in a different location has introduced levels of insincerity into the communicative process that previously did not exist.

 

These new methods of communication have skewed the way in which we perceive ourselves as individuals and as parts of a group. The connectivity of digital devices means that we are almost never truly alone; we are almost inescapably connected to all our friends and contacts, 24/7.

This connectivity means that, while we previously had very clear perceptions of what it means to be alone or together, the lines are now blurred. We now operate a sort of ‘communication hierarchy’ where certain methods of communication are given more prestige than others.

For example dumping someone or passing on important information by text is considered a major no-no, while telephoning someone to give them a textable piece of micro-information is similarly a social faux pas.

The paraphernalia that comes with such digital communication devices has also altered the ways in which we communicate. While headphones have been available since the 1980s, the popularization of smartphones and other digital devices that double up as media players has led to a marked increase in their use.

Wearing headphones is akin to wearing a sign that says “don’t talk to me”, giving us a simple way of avoiding potentially important confrontation, discussion and communication. This form of non-communication is actually communicative in itself as it shows others how receptive we will be to interaction. , another modern communication anomaly.

Away from smartphones and portable devices – although not entirely disconnected, this is the digital age after all – are the worlds of Facebook, Twitter and other social networks that exist digitally online. These methods of communication – coupled with the rise of broadband internet –  unprecedented levels of cross-platform conversation.

Two friends might be discussing something via text; they may want to add a third friend to the conversation so they move to WhatsApp; one friend wants to share a video and does it quickly and easily on Twitter; the three friends then decide to organize something and so set up a Facebook group. This back and forwards, cross-pollination of information is something all effective digital communicators will be aware of, the ease of such complex communication in the modern age has made it a regular occurrence.

This is where the argument that modern technology is killing the art of communication falls apart; in many ways modern technology is giving communication an element of sophistication it has never enjoyed before. You could say that what we are experiencing is communication, but not as we knew it.

 

Channeling Perseverance and the Will to Never Give Up written by Nancy Parker

Channeling Perseverance and the Will to Never Give Up

written by guest author Nancy Parker 

                                Please visit Nancy's website @ http://www.enannysource.com/

Channeling Perseverance and the Will to Never Give Up

The biggest hurdle we typically have to overcome when it comes to achieving our goals is ignoring the voice in our head that tells us that we aren’t good enough, that we won’t succeed, and that we should just throw in the towel now before we get too far invested in something, only to fail. When you’re armed with a plan for success, circumventing the demoralizing voice telling you that you’ll never succeed becomes easier to achieve, and your chances at success increase exponentially. Use these five steps to help channel your inner perseverance:

1.     Make an outline – Spend time thinking about your ultimate end goal, and then outline the steps that you’ll need to take along the way. By laying out everything that needs to be done in front of you, you get a better sense of exactly what needs to be accomplished to reach your goals. It’s easier to forge on knowing exactly what you’re up against.

2.     Set small goals – Once you have an outline in place you should set small, manageable goals for yourself. Trying to tackle everything at once is overwhelming and almost always ends in failure. Chipping away at a little bit at a time makes it easier to celebrate small victories that will eventually result in conquering your ultimate goal. Don’t be afraid to celebrate the small victories either, because it is those celebrations that will continue to renew your will to succeed.

3.     Recognize excuses – It’s unlikely that you’ll ever completely rid yourself of self-doubt, however being able to recognize when you’re starting to make excuses as to why you’re going to fail is the first step in countering those excuses with results. When you can pinpoint and recognize them, you can conquer them.

4.     Don’t be afraid of failure – No matter what you’re trying to accomplish, there will always be road blocks and setbacks along the way. What makes the difference in failure and success is how you react to this. If you let one failure completely crush your will power then you will never succeed. However if you learn from that failure and use it to propel you forward then your potential is limitless.

5.     Envision success – One of the best ways to guarantee success is to envision it. Regularly see yourself accomplishing your end goal. It will give you purpose and a renewed will power to continue to reach for your goals. Before you know it you won’t be envisioning success, you’ll be living it.

The will to persevere through life’s trials isn’t something that you easily come by, and finding the will to keep pushing forward is something born out of discipline and mental fortitude. Never give up on your goals, because it’s likely that the only thing holding you back is yourself, and you have the power to counteract that.

Author Bio

Nancy Parker was a professional nanny and she loves to write about wide range of subjects like health, Parenting, Child Care, Babysitting, nanny background check tips etc. You can reach her @ nancy.parker015 @ gmail.com.