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Gary Saretzky Photo Books

Blues. Going to Chicago: A Year on the Chicago Blues Scene. Photographs by Stephen Green.

Blues. Going to Chicago: A Year on the Chicago Blues Scene. Photographs by Stephen Green.

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Woodford, 1990. Photographs by Stephen Green. Introduction by Laurence J. Hyman. Commentary by B.B. King, James Cotton, Koko Taylor, Otis Rush; Junior Wells, Johnny Winter, Donald Kinsey, Buddy Guy, and Lonnie Brooks. [Photographs taken in blues clubs of musicians performing, including Little Anthony; Ronnie Brooks Baker; Bobby Blue Bland; Sugar Blue; Lonnie Brooks; Charles Brown; Clarence Gatemouth Smith; Roy Buchanan; Jimmy Burns; Little Charlie and the Nightcats; Albert Collins; Joanna Connor; James Cotton; Robert Cray; Willie Dixon; Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials; David Honeyboy Edwards; Buddy Guy; John Lee Hooker; Etta James; Homewick James; Jimmy Johnson; Detroit Junior; Albert King; B.B. King; Big Daddy Kinsey; Taj Mahal; John Mayall; B.B. Odom; Pinetop Perkins; John Primer; Snooky Pryor; A.C. Reed; Jimmy Reed; Otis Rush; Big Time Sarah; Son Seals; Eddie Shaw; Magic Slim; Sunnyland Slim; Hubert Sumlin; Koko Taylor; Melvin Taylor; Big Twist and the Mellow Fellows; Valerie Wellington; Junior Wells; Kim Wilson; Johnny Winter; Mighty Joe Young, et al.]. Stiff illustrated wraps, not issued in hardcover. Very good and fresh book on the history of the blues in the Windy City.  Summary:

Going to Chicago: A Year on the Chicago Blues Scene is a striking photographic monograph and documentary survey that captures the raw energy, intimate moments, and legendary personalities of the Chicago blues landscape. Featuring the expressive black-and-white photography of Stephen Green and edited with text by Laurence J. Hyman, the book serves as a vital time capsule of a bustling musical era.

  • A Year in the Clubs and on Stage: The volume is the result of a year spent embedded deep within the Chicago blues community. Green’s photographs document everything from sweat-drenched, high-energy live club performances to quiet, candid behind-the-scenes moments in legendary venues and dressing rooms.

  • Portraits of Blues Icons: The book features compelling visual portraits of many of the genre's most influential figures. It includes striking imagery of legends such as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Albert Collins, Junior Wells, Johnny Winter, and many others who defined the Chicago sound.

  • A Voice for the Artists: Rather than relying solely on third-party narration, the monograph elevates the photographs by pairing them with personal commentary, interviews, and song lyrics directly from the featured musicians. This structure provides a deeply personal and authentic look into their lives, histories, and creative processes.

  • Documenting a Cultural Community: Beyond the marquee names, the book captures the broader community that sustained the scene. It highlights the local session musicians, club owners, and passionate audiences, painting a complete portrait of the blues not just as a genre, but as a living, breathing neighborhood culture.

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