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David Redfern

We were all saddened to hear that David Redfern has lost a long battle with cancer. One of the most talented music photographers of the past fifty years, his images of artists from many different styles and backgrounds captured the essence of the music he loved — whether in full performing flight, or in more contemplative moments, he seemed to possess an intuitive visual insight into the creative process. He was the most courteous and delightful of men, a consummate professional — it was always a complete pleasure to see him at a soundcheck or a concert, going about his art unobtrusively and thoughtfully — his quietly cheerful presence will be deeply missed. As will the results, which were invariably of the very highest quality.

We’re very proud to have worked with David and his protégé Edu Hawkins to mount a joint exhibition of their work at last year’s EFG London Jazz Festival — David holding the fort for hours at a time, talking individually with members of the audience and, in panel sessions with Edu, illuminating the alchemical process that connects music to photography. The exhibition itself served as a timely reminder that David was responsible for many of the iconic images of jazz and popular music over the past decades.

As a taste of the sheer quality of David’s photographs, Amy Pearce and John Cumming have chosen a few personal favourites. For John, it’s the thoughtful shot of pianist Bill Evans, and an image of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn in rehearsal that somehow defines the creative dynamic between two jazz masters. For Amy, it’s Ben Webster and Miles Davis. And if you want an action shot of a guitar hero, look no further than Jimi Hendrix.

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