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The Blues with John Lee Hooker, Junior


The Blues with John Lee Hooker, Junior
Photo Information
Copyright: Reed Radcliffe (rlrad) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 99 W: 9 N: 215] (830)
Genre: People
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-05-02
Categories: Event, Portrait
Camera: Nikon D300, Nikon DX AF-S 70-300mm 1:4.5-5.6 G VR
Exposure: f/5.0, 1/100 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Map: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Travelogue: Memphis In May
Theme(s): World Portraits [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2009-07-06 5:15
Viewed: 116
Points: 10
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This is John Lee Hooker, Jr. - son of the great bluesman John Lee Hooker.

So often nowadays we are seeing the children and even grandchildren of great musicians of earlier times - many times they are just as or even more successful with their own careers as their parents. Bonnie Raitt, Julian Lennon, Jakob Dylan are some of the more prominent, I think Bonnie is probably the most successful of the three, but they all had big shoes to fill.

I don't know if this guy will be as successful as his father, somehow I doubt it. His style is much different, of course - I didn't see him touch a guitar and he certainly never sat down. He is quite a flamboyant entertainer an very emotive singer and dancer. He did do "Dimples", one of his father's greatest hits, or at least most covered songs.

It would have to be really hard to step onto the stage with that name, though. I don't know what I expected - I had never seen him perform before, in fact, I didn't know he existed (some blues aficionado, huh?).

I think he would have been better backed by one of those "big band" sort of groups, lots of horns and spotlight right on him. His band was good, they certainly played well and are likely excellent entertainers in their own rights, but this guy takes up the whole stage.

He was good, but he wasn't his father, which somehow was a bit disappointing to me.

I still got some good shots, though. I was able to get fairly close to most of the performances at the Beale St. Music Festival. Like Elvis Costello did in an earlier performance, John Lee mugged for all the cameras pointing at him. I liked his hat and shiny vest - he is a great subject for Monday Blues.

Hope you all have a great week!
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To teamill: Hi Trudyrlrad 2 07-06 06:48
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Critiques [Translate]

I saw his dad many moons ago ... yeah, pretty big shoes to fill!
This is a great shot Reed. Great timing on your part ... nice pose, nice composition. Love the black of his clothing (and that great vest) against the purple backdrop .. great contrast.
Good job, and a great week to you too
Trudy

  • Great 
  • KBE Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 445 W: 103 N: 580] (2699)
  • [2009-07-06 5:42]

Hello Reed
Excellent capture! Brilliant use of pure color B.G.
Very fine exposure to reveal the details of man's dark skin and his shiny vest wearing!

Nice composition!

Good job
TFS
Cheers
JZM

Nice Reed - great light, very 'blues' indeed! I like how you've caught the open hand on the mike too..

David

Reed wish you could add sound to these shots my friend once again you have captured the atmosphere of the concert tfs
regards bryan

Reed,

I've got to get to the next festival!!! That sounds like a great time! This is a wonderful shot with the purple background and the sparkling vest. The hat, the shades, and the coloring all "say" blues to me! Wonderful expression and action of him singing. I also like the Elvis Costello shot (he's a fav of mine along with B.B. King and Eric Clapton). Lisa

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