If this wonderful Capitol Building looks like it’s sinking, pardon the artistic license. If you live here and you’re not absolutely appalled you’re not paying attention…. ‘Nuff said.
Blue Agave and Spanish Bayonnet
From the Wilds of the Frontyard comes this little still life…
Dixie Chicks at Austin City Limits 2000
The Dixie Chicks have it all. Natalie Maines is a great lead singer and stage presence. (Personally, I admire her un-PC statements made at the very beginning of the current military quagmire. Looks like Natalie was right…) All of that aside, I love this shot. Two triangles, one of light and one of flesh, intersect and convey their considerable power.
Selena, Austin, 1993
I’ve been privileged to be able to photograph some of the best performers of the late 20th century, and, believe me, this was one of the very best. She was pure magic onstage, as charismatic as anyone I’ve ever seen…and she only sang in Spanish. (And she designed and made her own clothes, too!) What a waste. She was SO young. I guess she generated so much emotion in others that someone just had to kill her…
Roky Erickson, Austin, Texas 1973
Roky Erickson, the lead singer of The 13th Floor Elevators, is widely recognized as the father of both psychedelic and punk rock. Here he’s shown wandering around a party at Uncle Seymore’s in Clarksville in 1973. Generally written off as a casualty of psychedelic excess and too many psychiatric shock treatments in the 60’s, I’m happy to report that Roky has recovered enough to perform sporatically again. Roky is totally unique. He still has that incredible penetrating singing voice, like a prophet in the midst of a raging desert sandstorm…
The Roar of the Crowd, ACLFestival 2004
Shot near the end of Trey Anastacio’s set at the 2004 ACL Festival in Austin, this shot is visual evidence of Austin’s attitude of tolerance and vigorous support of live music. There’s a reason for that well deserved reputation as musical hotbed–the fanbase is appreciative and enthusiastic and has been for years. I do love living in Austin. I wasn’t born here but I got here as fast as I could…
Norah Jones at Austin City Limits 2003
Norah Jones seemed to burst upon the scene out of nowhere, fully formed. She reminds me of that ancient Greek myth about Athena springing from Zeus’ forehead in full armor, ready for battle….. What a voice! I’m really looking forward to listening to her for years to come.
John Fogerty at Austin City Limits 2004
Here’s one of the best performers of our age, the voice of Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Fogerty. An incredible dynamo of a performer, I thought it appropriate that he’d appear jumping out of the frame, which he literally was. I’m so glad to see him out performing and writing songs again. He’s one of the touchstones of my generation.
Gravesite of Adin Newton and Family, Akron, New York
The farthest back I can trace my roots end up here. (Since this was posted I’ve traced 3 more generations back). Here lies Adin Newton and (some of) his Family. Adin Newton was my great-great grandfather, born in 1805 at Rochester, Vermont, and died in Akron, New York 81 years later. I’m not sure whom the broken tombstones commemorate (I now know it’s his first wife Esther and two infant children), but I know Adin had two wives during his lifetime and 23 children…. Adin appears to be leading a charge, even now. I recently saw an exhibition of Edward Weston’s work. I consider him to be the most influential photographer on my personal style and development. I just went digging for images that show his influence, if not subject matter. This one does, just a little.
Etta James at Austin City Limits July 12, 2005
The Great performers can be spotted right away, even in a crowd. I was recently fortunate enough to be able to shoot one of the very best, Etta James… “At Last”, her signature song, will outlive us all. Watching her perform reminded me of photographing Ray Charles. Both were at the top of their games, and both delivered much better than expected…Etta James is a National Treasure.