1950s Jazz In London And Paris

The Jazz scene that burgeoned in London and Paris in the 1950s was in part a reflection of post-war celebration. Americans travelled to Europe again for reasons other than war and in the smoky clubs talented artists from both sides of the Atlantic developed their craft. Walter Hanlon began his career as a musician, playing guitar and broadcasting. He developed an interest in photography and in 1949 began pursuing this alternative career, using his musical connections to help open doors for big events within the London Jazz scene. Having always disliked the type of photographs produced by camera mounted flash, he developed a technique of 'off camera' flash to create atmospheric pictures in the clubs of London and Paris, although he preferred to use available light on portraits. Walter's contacts ensured he was at the forefront of the Jazz scene and these stunning photographs are the result. Including photographs of such greats as Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughan, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, Jimmy Durante, Sir John Dankworth, Chris Barber, 'Humph' and Cleo Lane, this is an evocative reminder of those heady days.