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myrnajacobs — Mel Dalton
Published: 2007-03-20 04:27:49 +0000 UTC; Views: 869; Favourites: 18; Downloads: 0
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Mel is a working musician. He's never done anything but play for a living. Mostly he's a jazzman and a really really good one. I have a lot of admiration and respect for guys like Mel who continue to pursue their love, despite bad pay, often very bad working conditions, and precious little recognition considering all the work it takes to play excellent jazz.
He's a great player and a really really awesome person.
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Comments: 62
What a great story! I am happy he got to see it on line! He was a dear, amazing and ever so charming man. I love the way he always dressed too! Wow, such a good looking man!
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Thanks. He's such a fine man and really one of those musicians who just keeps on doing it.
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Thanks. I'm very proud of this portrait. Love doing musicians! (well... 'doing'... uh... I mean photographing. LOL)
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Much respect to the jazz players 
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Very nice, lots of mood here--would be perfect as a back cover of one of these jazz records! I like the b&w editing, side light and grain
Reminds me of a really famous photo of a young Charlie Parker--same composition save that he was blowing in his brass machine
You did a great job 
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Happy you like it. I shot at 200 ASA with a bounce flash. There were some house lights on at the concert too... and they had a bit of stage lighting.
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thanks for sharing the details
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That is a really ultra good picture. I love the amount of detail you captured in it.
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what an incredible portrait, you can feel the music in his soul in this one
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thank you so much. it means a lot. This guy deserves a great portrait. He is adorable.
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sad destiny of jazz players. last summer i had a talk with a guy who is imho one of the best jazz piano players in italy, if not the best one at all, and he told me that, after a life-long musical career, he sometimes has problems in being engaged in well-paid gigs.
a very intense shot, one can read a man's life in that look.
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It is really too bad. Good jazz is simply amazing music. What Italian player do you know. maybe I've heard of him?
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i am answering through notes, for privacy reasons
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what an interesting face - he has this kind look ...very nice ...hope he keeps on playing his music what dedication !!
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I think he will continue. He's such a nice person too.
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Lovely portrait! You almost captured the music as well !
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awesome photo and description. he reminds me of a Danny Glover-type gentleman
great character in this one
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I'd say that is true of him... rather Danny Glover like.
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jazz does amazing things to you
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It is an underappreciated musical form right now.
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I too have great admiration for the artists in this world who are so committed to being true to themselves that they stay on the path no matter what hardships they encounter. It is terribly hard to do that, but they may not experience it that way. Those of us (I'm speaking of myself, of course) who have been more "practical" can only stand in awe of the courage it takes to live that kind of authentic life. This is a beautiful portrait.
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thanks, susan. You've expressed it so beautifully. I've been practical too and I feel I have cheated myself in some way.
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But that's changing now, right? For both of us. I actually had a conversation this morning with a fine art photographer who is making a living selling her work, and she still has time for her family (young kids, husband, yada yada) and she is one of my volunteers for the class at the boys and girls club. I learned a lot from talking to her. I think you and I were of a generation that, with rare exceptions, just had a harder time giving ourselves the same priorities we gave our families. You're right that we did in a way cheat ourselves, but we sure didn't cheat the kids. At least, I fervently hope that's how it ultimately shakes out. And, if the actuarial charts are right, we still have time to shift those priorities. Not as much time, though. Sigh.
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Yes, things are changing. Dennis Hopper's ad for ...whoever it is... financials... says it. 65 is no longer old and there is time to follow the dream.. and a lot more wisdom too.
I'm thinking it's going to be okay for us. I actually think it already is because we think about it, talk about it and act... something that I think even our children would endorse.
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I think it is the acting that is astonishing to our kids, more than anything else. And yes, they endorse that wholeheartedly. Keeps us off the streets and out of the nursing homes. At the show reception on Sunday, there was none of the patronizing I was kind of expecting from my kids -- I think I'm getting to be a role model again on how to grow older without losing a sense of available possibilities. Have to admit I enjoyed the attitude adjustment I saw in them. Hooray for thinking that we can still make it happen! 'Cuz we can!
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God, I'm so pleased for you! You clarified part of my goal... but don't tell...it's to be recognized by my children as something besides 'just a mom'...(no matter how loved or treasured) and set an example of life ...even late in life. God, I guess I am a mom.. Lord! Anyway, I do know that i can do it too. Congrats on your show. I assume it went very well.
Sure hope I get to meet you one day, susan.
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Thanks for that super suppportive message! So many aspects of our lives are similar. The show reception was great. I was really surprised that so many people showed up -- many that I hadn't seen for a long time. Two prints of the 14 showing at the reception sold. Felt good about that because this isn't a great art-buying area (particularly for photography). The show is up until 4/15, so there may be more sales. I'd love that because I'm saving up for a large format printer.
As for the kids, it's just an ongoing process. David, who did a great job designing the postcard announcements for the show, wasn't able to be there because his girlfriend's dog was in the vet hospital, and the girlfriend was emotionally devastated. I don't argue with those priorities. I know he was really supportive. He now refers to my "body of work" so I guess he is taking me much more seriously. The girls (calling my daughters girls is a little ridiculous, but I can't get past that) were great at talking to the show visitors and beaming at me. In the language of my ancestors, I was "cvelling" from those beams.
Of course, we shall meet. Probably not in Michigan, though. Maybe on one of your swings through California. Peter and I are talking about a trip to NYC in late April or May. Wouldn't it be a kick to meet there and have a photo day?
Be well, Myrna. And thanks again for writing.
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Funny, but it could happen. I gave my granddaughter a trip to NYC for christmas.... and she wants me to come along. She's going to let me know when so I can buy the tickets and make reservations. Oh..any hot tips on places to stay in the city?
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My daughter and son-in-law really like the Soho Grand when they have weekends in the city, but I've never stayed there, so can't give my own recommendation. Last time I stayed at a hotel in NYC, I stayed at the Park Lane on 59th, very close to the Plaza. it was very pleasant, but was on the verge of needing some refurbishing. The W hotels are supposed to be interesting from a design perspective, but design isn't everything. I'd use Expedia for good rates. How exciting that you are going with your granddaughter!
You will have an amazing time with her.
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Thanks for the recommends. Last time I went with my husband and we stayed at the Carlyle... yikes...can't afford it now. LOL It was great and so restful and wonderfully old NYC.
My son has stayed at the Soho Grand and loves it. I'll see. I'm so happy your son now sees your hobby as a "body of work" You made me smile. You are adorable.
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Myrna,
I rarely think of another man as "beautiful".
You are determined to correct that deficiency.
A fine portrait.
Steve
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Thank you, Steve. You would think this man 'beautiful'. For he is on the inside.
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That's what shines through.
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I, personally, don't meet people like him often enough.
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To read this man's face and feel his strength and determination, gives hope. Stunning portrait and great respect.
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The kind of portrait that you would find in the jazz hall of fame.
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