Joseph A. Rosen — “Inside the Moment” — Shiffer Publishing
Joe Rosen has been making music come to life through his photojournalism for nearly half a century.
As the subtitle of his new book, “Inside the Moment” notes, that’s the music of blues, soul, jazz, rock, and R&B — and dozens of artists whose names are synonymous with those styles.
It’s also a book of Rosen’s vivid memories connected to those images, detailing his first-person experiences with the artists and adding historical context to the vitality of their music. The result is a fascinating journey through nearly 50 years of some of the greatest artists in their fields.
One very striking element of Rosen’s photography in “Moment” is that all the artists are presented in stark black and white imagery. It’s a magical choice, adding primeval power and vitality to his subjects. He says in the introduction that black-and-white photography was his first love, and the images here clearly are filled with that love — and much respect — for his subjects and their music.
Just a few of his subjects here include John Lee Hooker, Lightnin’ Hopkins, B.B. King, Ray Charles, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Dexter Gordon, Chet Baker, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, and Buckwheat Zydeco. There are well-known stars and lesser-known artists, offering the reader a chance to revisit favorites and discover new faces and investigate their music. If you’ve seen any of them perform, Rosen’s photos offer a musical journey back into your own memories. These powerful, moving images represent Rosen’s life’s work capturing the spirit of music he loves.
Rosen continues to work as the photographer documenting performers on the annual Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruises, as well as at numerous music festivals and shows, capturing the essence that’s defined his career — the passion, energy, and storytelling power of live music.
This isn’t the New York City-based Rosen’s first publishing effort: “Blues Hands” was an impressive catalogue of close-ups of the hands of blues musicians working their instruments.
On a personal note, I’m honored to have known Joe Rosen since he set out on his photographic journey in Pittsburgh in the late 1970s, when we met at blues shows in local clubs. Our paths have since crossed on some of the blues cruises, and I’ve never failed to be impressed with his professionalism, his enthusiasm, and, of course, the wonderous quality of his work.
It’s easy to just take “pictures,” it’s difficult, and necessary, to get “Inside the Moment.” Joe Rosen does that magnificently. It’s easy to recommend this elegant work.
Blues Roadhouse 