BOB PARENT (1923–1987)

Various jazz musicians and vocalists, circa 1950s, subjects include: Red Norvo, Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Art Farmer, John Lewis, Hank Jones, Joe Williams, Miles Davis, Carmen McRae
31 gelatin silver press prints and 12 gelatin silver contact sheets
stamped photographer’s credits and annotations (verso)
the majority 8 x 10 in. (203 x 254 mm), three (Red Norvo) 11 x 14 in. (280 x 355 mm)

Best known for his atmospheric and expressive images capturing the jazz greats at New York City nightclubs, Bob Parent was one of the first photographers to work by available light. In order to avoid disrupting performances, writes the New York Times, ‘he developed a signature technique that allowed him to work without flashbulbs… It gave his work a dark and intimate feel.’ His photos appeared regularly in Life, DownBeat and Metronome magazines and he provided numerous images for many album covers, notably for Charles Mingus’ label Debut Records. Facini, New York Times, (8 March 2019).