C&T Publications 50 States of Art - 2015 | Page 72

Eugene Campbell - Louisiana

Eugene Campbell is a self-taught fine art photographer from West Monroe,
Louisiana.

I am a Louisiana-based photographer working hard to make a name in the photography world, as someone who creates great
images- whether they be thought-provoking or whimsical. This whimsy or eccentricity allows me to be free when shooting, never
placing myself in a particular box. If something/someone catches my eye, I try to capture that moment. If an idea hits me I try to
put to 'film' what my brain imagined.
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/eugene-campbell.html

Here is my piece. It is called Smooth Jazz B&W.
The drink is smooth…the jazz is smoother
The phrase “smooth jazz” rendered and represented visually. Before photography, music was how I expressed myself artistically. As
a musician and a native Louisianan there is a connection to all music, but especially jazz and the blues. Even though nowadays I
pose instruments more than I play them, music is still very dear to me. With this piece, I tried to create a scene that would make
one think of a lounge musician taking a break in one of those low ceiling jazz clubs.
Quick Facts:
Intellectuals from all over the world regard Jazz as one of America's original art forms.
Jazz originated in African American communities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ragtime is also considered to be part
of the Jazz genre. It is a blend of African and European music styles.
Improvisation is considered a key component of Jazz, which keeps the sound fluid and constantly evolving.
The first documented use of the word “jazz” in a musical context was found in the New Orleans November 14, 1916 issue of the
Times-Picayune newspaper, when it was referred to in an article about “jas bands.”
New Orleans played a major role in the dissemination and popularization of the Jazz genre.
Charles Joseph “Buddy” Bolden, also known as King Bolden, was an African-American cornet player who is considered as a key
figure in the development of Rag-time and Jazz. He and his band were wildly popular in New Orleans between the years of 1900 to
1907. Sadly, in 1907, at the age of 30 years old, Buddy was brought down by schizophrenia. He was placed in the Louisiana State
Asylum at Jackson, where he died in 1931.
"The essentials of Jazz are: melodic improvisation, melodic invention, swing & instrumental personality." - Mose Allison
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