Cover photo of Will Austin at the Dirty Dog Jazz Café
One year ago I received boxes and boxes of books from the printer. I saw for the first time the results of my effort to show the world what one woman’s dream looks like. The book, DETROIT JAZZ Documenting the legacy of Gretchen Valade, is a collection of my photographs of Detroit’s great jazz artists shot at venues made possible by the generous acts of Gretchen Valade. I very much wanted to provide a record of who showed up and kept alive Detroit’s root music. I wanted this book to show to the world that Detroit’s jazz community has never faltered. The energy of jazz music has been integral to Detroit’s recovery.
Detroit’s defining music was at a crossroads following an exodus of businesses, jobs and people from our city. One of Detroit’s greatest assets, its jazz, was as powerful and robust as ever with many young artists ready to carry on. However, Detroit was reeling. Detroit is a city where even in tough times we keep showing up and showing up. Sure enough someone showed up, stood tall and helped save one the world’s great treasures. Gretchen Valade’s love of the music carried the day . Mack Avenue Records was founded, The Detroit Jazz Festival was saved from extinction and The Dirty Dog Jazz Café opened its doors. This book is an attempt to document this time of renewal. I hope that the book respects and honors all of the artists, Detroit and Gretchen.
When you come by the Dirty Dog ask to see the book. They will be pleased to show you the book and give you a chance to get a first edition copy. This book makes a great gift to anyone who likes jazz, Detroit or photography.
You can order the book online at detroitjazz.net or for a signed copy contact us at j.osler@att.net or call John at 313.886.4728 and we will get books out to you.
The book can also be purchased at the DIA, Source Book Store and Bookbeat Book Store, or on Amazon.
John Osler
Here are some pages from the book.
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