John Stirratt and Patrick Sansone’s band The Autumn Defense has a new album, Once Around, that Yep Roc is releasing today. I shot promo photographs to accompany the new record; outtake below.
Also, a book of Sansone’s SX-70 photography was recently published, called 100 Polaroids.
Last July I shot portraits of gospel legend Mavis Staples–with another Chicago favorite, Wilco front man Jeff Tweedy–for a Bob Mehr penned feature in the November issue of Mojo. The duo have quite a rapport together that was really fun to document. Tweedy produced Staples’ new record, You Are Not Alone.
This was not the first time working with any of these folks. Before he relocated to Memphis to write a music column for the Commercial Appeal, Mehr lived in Chicago and wrote for the Reader, where we collaborated on a bunch of articles, including a Wilco cover story and a 2004 piece on Staples. The picture below was shot in Mavis’ home for that 2004 article. I want to be like her when I grow up.
I’m excited to have a double page spread in last Saturday’s Guardian Weekend magazine. This was a really fun assignment–not only did I get to shoot Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope (aka Insane Clown Posse) in a swimming pool, but I also had a beer and a chat with the article’s writer, Jon Ronson, who wrote one of my favorite books (The Men Who Stare at Goats). For those keeping track at home, this makes two posts in a row about Welshmen named Jon.
If you’re curious about the way of the Juggalo, checkout this video made by Derek Erdman, whose mom was hip to Juggalos before that topic trended.
(Behind the scenes photo by Paul Kjelland.)
I recently visited Jon Langford at his art studio and filmed a performance of Strange Ways to Win Wars, a track from his new Bloodshot record, Old Devils. His talented accomplices here are Jim Elkington and Tawny Newsome. Thanks to Nancy Bardawil and Aadam Jacobs on camera and audio, respectively. If any music journalists are reading this, 1) god help you, and 2) if you ever interview Langford, you can be the first to ask: “Why are you such a fat Welsh bastard?”
I shot Chris Black, frontman of Dawnbringer, for this week’s Reader. The top picture is the one the Reader published; the photographs below were alternates I submitted.
Joel and Ruth of Bastardgeist recently stopped by my studio for pictures. They’ll be playing at the Iceland Airwaves festival next month. Brainlove Records is releasing their debut.
Last Saturday’s Mad Decent Block Party at the Hideout, shot for the Reader.
Michelle and Nat with panty cannons
Fans
Maluca
Freddie Gibbs
Bosco Delrey
Bunny Delrey
Blaqstarr
I have a few photographs in the Art of Touring show (“A multi-media exhibition of work by musicians, inspired life on the road while touring”) that opens tomorrow night at Johalla Projects in Chicago, including the two above: The Artist Sometimes Known as Prince, from a 1993 Chicago Theater performance, and Cat Power at the Pitchfork Music Festival in 2007.
Participating artists include Ken Vandermark, Pat Sansone (Wilco, Autumn Defense), Tim Rutili (Red Red Meat, Califone), and Steve Krakow (Plastic Crimewave Sound, The Secret History of Chicago Music). A list of all artists can be viewed here.
Opening Reception: July 16. 2010, 7-11pm
July 16. 2010 – August 7th. 2010
Johalla Projects
1561 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Very sad news: Chicago jazz legend Fred Anderson has died. I had the honor to photograph Anderson several times; above is a shot taken at the new Velvet Lounge, and below is the album cover for Duets 2001 which I shot at the original location (both pictures shot for the Thrill Jockey label). Fred was beloved by countless fans and fellow musicians–Chicago won’t be the same without him.
Update: Check out Peter Margasak’s obit at the Reader.
Been really busy–I just finished moving my studio to the Little Village neighborhood on Chicago’s south side, and have been working a lot: last month I shot a doozy of an assignment for the Guardian‘s Sunday magazine (which I’ll post once it’s published); I’ve been photographing regularly for the Reader; shot promo pics for Claire Massey; took pictures for Lula and Nightwood restaurants; and last weekend I took production stills on the set of Jim Sikora’s film “I’ll Die Tomorrow” as well as shooting video for Plush and My Gold Mask. Also did the camera work for “Cousins,” a short film by Mike Finch that debuts tonight at Webster Place.
Here’s a photo from an assignment I had a couple weeks ago, shooting promo shots for recording artist Vegaz Taelor. His mom, Cheryl Lynette did a fantastic job as stylist and wardrobe designer. Vegaz, Cheryl, and the models were all really fun to work with. (Update: Vegaz’s father, B. Murphy, is also a talented and prolific musician who has performed with many outfits including Chocolate Syrup, The Osmonds, and The Platters.)
