jackson & joe ~delta session

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I've been photographing Joe for about a year now and for this last session his mom Katie wanted to add older brother Jackson into the mix. One of my favorite things about Katie, besides her paintings, is that she really likes to do different things with her sessions. So for this one, we headed out of town, down a gravel road, and past the bayou until we finally stopped at Po Monkey's Lounge.

I'm sure most of you readers that are from the Delta know exactly where and what I'm talking about. Many of you have probably even been there. For those of you that aren't familiar with the area, Po Monkey's is one of our wonderful, out of the way jewels. An old sharecropper's home that has been converted into a small blues joint with a very random schedule. Rarely are events widely publicized, and often you have to just ride out there to see if anyone is playing. But that's OK, because the place probably only holds about 50 people anyway. Here's a cool little article the New York Times did about a year ago.

So these images were created there, as well as right next door beside another old sharecropper house that has been abandoned. I love these parts of the area where I was raised. Sessions like this remind me quite a bit of growing up in the Delta, and whenever I photograph brothers, it always makes me think of my little brother. We quickly grow out of these overalls and start putting on suits and ties. And sometimes it's just nice to reminisce about the days when we all ran around barefoot, played with sticks and rocks, and jumped fearlessly into muddy puddles of water.

Katie, thank you so much for letting me remember some of my own days with my brother. It's been a fun year. I hope you enjoy these images as much as I did making them.





~wj

NOLA JazzFest -- brilliance defined

I first heard the John Butler Trio late one Saturday night while watching an Austin City Limits rerun. This was about a year ago. I was blown away by John's talent and the unique sound of his band. It's a funky, bluesy, caribbean style infused with heavy beats, driving guitars, brilliant musicianship and infectious spirit. And the lyrics are poignant and moving.

I've had their music front and center on my ipod for the last few months and when I heard they would be performing at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival I knew I really wanted to find a way to attend. Luckily I was able to do so. And even better was that Jamie was able to head down to her hometown and attend JazzFest with me.

When I say that this man is one of the most brilliant artists I've ever encountered I do not say that lightly. He abilities are tremendous and he displays them in so many ways during his performance. Guitar. Banjo. Xylophone. Stand up bass. Kettle drums. Harmonica. Electric piano. So many incredible sounds blended together to form one of the most moving hours I've ever experienced.

Here is a performance by John that displays just how good he is. When listening to this, keep in mind that this is one man; one guitar. It sounds like at least three of each of not four or five. Give it about sixty seconds. He starts softly and builds into a performance that will leave you with little more to say than . . . "Wow"



Now, if you enjoyed that here's a link to pick a few of his songs on iTunes. While the studio stuff is great, I highly recommend the Live at St. Gallen album. Studio recordings do not do this man justice. The energy he displays in front of a live audience is amazing, and it's just not something you can capture in a studio -- no matter how brilliant the technicians are.

CLICK HERE TO GO THE JOHN BUTLER TRIO iTUNES PAGE

Right at the end of his set, the rains came. Not a hard, heavy rain, but a soft, cleansing one. Rather poetic and fitting I thought, considering the audience. When the first raindrops struck the crowd a celebratory cheer echoed around the stage just as one of the band's songs was reaching its pinnacle. Here's a picture of Jamie I took with my phone just after she covered up to protect herself from the rain. John, of course, is on the screen in the background.



Music is a powerful thing, my friends. I often wonder if it isn't the most powerful artform that we have. Just as any art, it's often done just for the sake of doing it--there's very little purpose behind it. But when the artist has a point, and has mastered his or her craft, music can change the world. One person at a time. John Butler is one of those artists. He has a point. Listen to his, then find yours.

Good luck on your journey. It's a wonderful ride if you'll let it be.

~wj

Jamie and I have been taking dance lessons

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!I was fooling around on JibJab tonight and created this little dance number featuring me and Jamie. We're both cracking up watching it.

Hope you will to. Enjoy!

Great time at the BPAC

The Bologna Performing Arts Center at Delta State University had a GREAT show yesterday -- a Delta Review. About 20 artists with Mississippi Delta ties came in for an afternoon matinee. Some still live in the area, some have moved off, but what talent! I was absolutley blown away.

We are very lucky to have a facility such as this in our area. Not many places get to see touring Broadway productions, ,and certainly not rural areas such as ours. We all need to support what is going on at the BPAC. We have such wonderful artists here in the Delta. Let's support them!