If Only We Knew
Brooklyn NY, March 2024 – Photographer John Rogers unveils a captivating masterpiece in his latest release, "If Only We Knew," a mesmerizing blend of street and rare jazz photography. Following the success of his debut book, "Old and New Dreams," this companion volume delves deeper into the rich tapestry of New York jazz music, presenting a visual symphony that resonates with aficionados of jazz, photography, street portraiture, and beyond.
"If Only We Knew" seamlessly integrates street photography with rare glimpses into the jazz world, creating a powerful narrative that transcends artistic boundaries.
Through the lens of John Rogers, the book unravels the emotional connection between the world of jazz and the streets of New York. Each photograph captures the essence of a musician's emotion, juxtaposed with the similar expressions of everyday individuals.
Renowned pianist and composer Robert Glasper lends his insight with a heartfelt forward, adding an extra layer of depth to the visual journey presented in the book.
Old And New Dreams
Photographer John Rogers’ Book Debut Showcases Images of Acclaimed
Improvisers Including Ornette Coleman, Paul Motian and Dr. Yusef Lateef
Along with Pandemic-Era NYC Street Photography in Old and New Dreams.
Old and New Dreams, is a striking document of veteran NYC
music and street photographer John Rogers' evolving vitality. In his
first published collection of photography, Rogers draws from his
fifteen-year, pre-pandemic live concert image catalog featuring master
improvisers such as Ornette Coleman, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Paul
Motian, Dr.Yusef Lateef, and Bill Frisell juxtaposed with the starkness
of present-day New York City behind its pandemic mask.
Using the global pandemic as a dividing line, the title of Rogers'
book debut speaks to his previous passion and evolving vision. As he
collided with the restrictions of the pandemic, the global quarantine
gave Rogers an opportunity to take inventory. The synergy captured in
his candid, energetic, and set-rousing music photos seen in Old and New Dreams
extends beyond the notes. Many of the musicians in the book became
admirers of John's work including Billy Hart, Ornette Coleman, Andrew
Cyrille, Jason Moran and Chris Potter. In total, 45 musicians are
captured in Rogers' distinctive style that is as real and in the moment
as what was happening on the bandstand.
As the music-in-motion is captured loudly and vibrantly on Old and New Dreams,
Rogers' city portraits are, in contrast, much quieter but compelling to
the viewer with an understated intensity with bursts of color and
light. The resultant pictures are giving Rogers' increased visibility
and embrace in the photography and art community and among them is
MacArthur fellow and artist Dawoud Bey. Bey has been an invaluable
teacher, supporter and advocate for Rogers' work and contributes the
written introduction to Old and New Dreams.