music

Jim Prendergast of Mill Pond Music Studios

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I recently remembered this little 2013 excursion, when friend and musician Joe Deleault invited me to join him in the studio for a record he was producing. He, musician Andrew Sterling (who's in the final photo), and I trekked to Mill Pond Music Studio in Portsmouth, NH, to spend the day with owner Jim Prendergast. Prior to establishing this recording studio, Jim was a full-time session guitarist (and more) in Nashville. He still travels there regularly, when not in the studio (as a musician, producer, or engineer) or performing with bands locally.

Natural, indirect light illuminates his studio, thanks to large windows along one wall (extending through multiple rooms)—a photographer's dream. I exposed three or four rolls of film, allowing myself to enjoy observing Jim's process of music-making, not the least of which involves an analog tape deck for audio capture. Brilliant.

And yes, it was just as relaxing and comfortable being there as it looks in the photos.

a concert in the park

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We were already planning to attend The Ballroom Thieves' concert at Prescott Park in Portsmouth, NH, having known the band for almost five years now and seeing them perform at least annually, as well as photographing them. So when I let them know that we were looking forward to attending, they invited me backstage after the soundcheck to hang out and photograph. (I had my small camera kit with me, fortunately.)

The situation became even more exciting when they mentioned that Gentle Temper, the opening band (one of whose members is a sibling to a Thief), needed a photographer for their show. Their manager (whom I also know) and I quickly made logistical arrangements, and we were set.

The evening couldn't have been better, with perfect weather, great seats, wonderful music, and even some artmaking.

(Two galleries below: first, Gentle Temper; second, The Ballroom Thieves.)

a house concert

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I met The Hickory Horned Devils last year when I hosted a performance at Amoskeag Studio; since then, I've also gotten to know most of the band members. So when we were invited to a house concert (hosted by their lead singer, Jen) with other friends and family, we gladly accepted. Located on a hill in Pembroke, their property has a tremendous view and overlooks Concord (we could see the state capitol building miles away).

From the porch, the band performed three sets throughtout the evening before guests with chairs and blankets. The potluck was varied and plentiful, along with the grill and beverages. Dozens of children wandered and played in the yard. Adults strolled in the field past the stone wall. We visited with friends we didn't expect to see there. The band finished at dusk, and we lingered for a couple hours more while our children eeked out as much time in a new house with new friends as they could.

I didn't have a plan for photographing. I relaxed and ate (and drank) first while listening to the music and waiting for the light to improve. The resulting work is an eclectic collection of the day: friends lounging, musicians performing, corn and grass growing, suns setting. They do not convey the high spiritedness of the music, the sounds of conversation and laughter, the smells and tastes of the food, the serenity of a location felt in the midst of dozens of other people. They are moments, scenes worked over (with many failed attempts), and an opportunity to create something different and new.

Harmonium Music Festival

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I've photographed Harmonium for a couple years. It's a full day of music and fun; of course, I'm working throughout it. The main and community stages themselves are enough to keep me busy; despite this, last year was the first that I decided to work the edges a bit.  Lingering in the musicians' tent, watching load-in and preparations, wandering around the audience--any activity apart from the stage was what I was interested in.

I also decided to camp overnight, which meant I was present for the post-festival jam session. Listening to these musicians--only some of whom knew each other, musically or otherwise--was a real joy. They seemed to have endless amounts of energy.

Andrew Sterling in Mill Pond Music Studio

Last year, producer Joe Deleault invited me into the recording studio to photograph Andrew Sterling as he finished his album. We spent a few hours in Jim Prendergast's Mill Pond Music Studio in Portsmouth, NH, reviewing previous results, recording a few more tracks, and watching Andrew and Jim work. The environment was relaxed yet technically precise, and everyone ended the day pleased with the results.







dj cheeks

A recent wedding reception was held at Scullers--one of my favorite places in Boston. I've heard some great performances there (most notably the late Joe Williams, where we had front row seats--right behind his pianist Norman Simmons). This was my first opportunity to photograph there, so while dinner was being served, I spent some time observing and photographing DJ Cheeks and his assistant. I'm very pleased with the results. (More from the wedding soon.)



my first cover

This job came about very quickly last month through a friend's referral. The assignment was to provide the photography for School Band and Orchestra magazine's feature article on Andy Soucy, music director at Londonderry (NH) High School. Both Andy and I were pleasantly surprised (almost shocked) by this--I graduated from LHS and benefited greatly from the music program, which has only grown over the years.

Spending time at the school was a bit surreal, of course, but the return was made easier by seeing some former teachers (who remembered me!). I photographed one of Andy's bands in rehearsal and later some portraits. The photographs chosen for the cover and the article are mine, except the ones of the marching band in action.

Every part of this experience has been great, thanks to Andy and the staff of SBO.

Mirage Band

I really enjoy photographing live musical performances (especially jazz), so I was pleasantly surprised and very excited to see Mirage Band playing at the reception of a recent wedding. An even better surprise was seeing saxophonist Bill Doss, who had just joined the band. Our families met through mutual friends, and the kids were close while growing up: I knew his sister well, and he and my brother played a lot of music together. (Bill was just married last weekend--congrats!)

Some of my favorites: