THROUGH THE LENS: Neil Young, Buddy Guy, Little Steven, and Other Photos of the Week

It certainly is that time again, long overdue, to feature what the ND photographers have been up to, covering all the branches of roots music, including several legends. Plus, there are a few photos this week that view artists in a different light and angle. From the hills of Appalachia to Western Africa, I defy any music publication to provide its readers with such a wealth of visual splendor.

Given this abundance of riches, I’ll be able to mention by name and talk about just a few of the photographers whose work is featured this week.

Peter Dervin

Last week I saw the ostensibly well-meaning documentary on Laurel Canyon, Echo in the Valley. While I found it a bit contrived and limited in scope, it did feature extensive individual recollections by Crosby, Stills & Nash. However, even in his absence, with a fair number of vintage clips, Neil Young’s presence pervaded the film. His significance to that era was unmistakable.

In our own current era, Peter pulled off a coup in capturing the camera-shy Young, who was surrounded (guarded?) by guitars and a banjo. It is also obvious that Young is not going gentle into that Trump goodnight. Peter also caught two other legends: Buddy Guy and Booker T. Jones.

Jim Gavenus 

In the blues vein, veteran MerleFest photographer Jim Gavenus caught three younger artists of note: saxophonist-vocalist Vanessa Collier, the exciting Southern Avenue, and R.L. Burnside’s grandson Cedric, who is continuing the family tradition in his own way.

Kevin Smith 

Kevin’s photos of Mandy Barnett and Lillie Mae highlight the resurgence of country music in its many forms.

Kirk Stauffer

Speaking of country, Kirk’s photos of Amanda Shires, Courtney Marie Andrews, and Sierra Hull visually demonstrate that women are the future of country, as well as bluegrass. For many of us, however, that future arrived some time ago.

Mark J. Smith (Photosmithdigital) 

Mark continues that theme in his photos of Margo Price, Rising Appalachia, and the soon-to-break-out Sierra Ferrell. He also had the other coup of the week: Little Steven and Disciples of Soul. That is, of course, Steven Van Zandt’s 15-piece rock-and-soul revue that takes no prisoners.

Steve Ford 

From Australia’s WOMADelaide fest, Steve delights us with photos of UK folk legend Ralph McTell, Neko Case, and notable world music artists including Mali’s Fatoumata Diawara.

Aaron Caleb Fishbein 

Aaron offers us a different way of looking at artists we know well: Molly Tuttle, Erin Rae, Cousin Kenny Vaughn, and Birds of Chicago. His pictures are from a unique perspective.

C. Elliott 

Elliott continues to show us why she is the hardest working photographer in roots music, and why we should move to Arizona as so many quality artists pass though there so often. In addition to her fascination with Lucinda Williams (to whom I am also addicted), she caught Keb’ Mo’, The Mavericks, Lukas Nelson, Gary Clark Jr., and the intriguing Orville Peck.

Tom Bush 

Tom caught Son Volt, one of alt-country founding bands, as well as Hiss Golden Messenger and Anna St. Louis. 

Now, in all their glory are the photos themselves. Photos can be enlarged by clicking on them, and then can be viewed as a slideshow.