Feel the Music
This was taken at the after-party of an international Jazz festival in Bali in March of 2014. This trumpet player is from Chicago and he shared the stage with some members of Earth, Wind & Fire that night.
Anonymous Trumpet
This is of the same trumpet player as the one above, just a different perspective.
Red Jazz
This is from the same night as the trumpet player above. Many musicians got on stage that evening and executed an electric performance. It's a night I remember with a huge smile.
Instrumental Break
The saxophone is one of my favorite instruments. I even used to play the tenor saxophone when I was younger and this shot is reminiscent of that time for me.
Keyboard Man
This keyboardist also performed at the same event as the above photographs. I love the expression on his face. It shows how much connection, commitment and joy he has to the music he is playing.
Keyboard Hand
A closer look at the artist's hand at work.
Foggy-town Song
This was taken while crossing a pedestrian bridge in London. The street musicians in England are pretty incredible. I believe that in order to busk in London, one must have a license that's granted after an audition. Possibly why all the street performers I came across were pretty amazing, including this lady here.
Punjabi Drummer
This was taken inside a Sikh temple on Long Island, New York. My friend was married at this temple and before her entrance, this guy kept us entertained.
Sounds of Bali
The gamelan is a traditional Indonesian instrument used heavily in Indonesian and especially Balinese dance and culture. These women here are armed with wooden mallets to produce unique and intriguing sounds.
Balinese Beats
This was taken at a traditional Balinese dance performance inside a Hindu temple in Ubud. These performances are usually accompanied by male musicians, but this performance was composed of a female orchestra.
Beach Guitar
This is my friend on Kuta Beach, Bali playing guitar while we prepared for sunset. Anywhere you go in Indonesia, music will be played and heard. On Kuta Beach, there is always a local boy with a guitar, where everyone is invited to sing along.
Posterized Song
This is my friend Ian who is the lead singer in a reggae band called Kingston in Bali, Indonesia. He doesn't come to the beach often, but he came this day and gifted us a few songs. I like the posterized version of this photograph, to give it a whimsical feel.
Cretan Band
This was a performance I saw located in a remote, mountain-village in Crete, Greece. The second man to the left is somewhat of a legendary Cretan musician. He is playing here with a lyre, while others use traditional Cretan string and percussion instruments. It was a beautiful performance.
J.J.'s Jam-band
My friend J.J. is the one holding the acoustic guitar and microphone. This was in his hometown of Jakarta, Indonesia. He invited me to come to a jam session with his friends in their rented studio space. We all had a great time together.
Oni's Ensemble
This was taken during a performance at a bar called Obsession in Seminyak, Bali. The guitarist's name is Oni. He had an incredible connection with his bassist and drummer. Oni has magical fingers, and is one of the best guitarists I've ever seen or heard.
Rocking Albar
Meet my friend Albar at the mic stand. He performed on the same night as Oni in the above photograph. They did some classic renditions, including "Sweet Dreams." This was a great moment to capture, the guys were totally in the moment, a perfect moment that the band and audience loved.
Gimme Shelter
This is a rock and roll bar located in Canggu, Bali, Indonesia. It's been open for almost two years and it's thriving. I believe it's the only exclusively rock bar in Bali. It has a local and friendly vibe where guests are offered a welcome drink of arak attack. Live bands performed nightly and there were open mic nights. It just may be my favorite bar in the entire world.
Soul Singing
Also taken at Gimme Shelter, the artists were full of talent, passion and soul. These local boys were performing for a packed room and got the applause they deserved.
Made's Strings
This is Made, the owner of Gimme Shelter. He performs on stage most nights of the week, and he's an act you don't want to miss. Made is full of talent and stories. If he's not wailing on his six string, he's serving drinks behind the bar. He's super friendly and always got a good story to share.
Made's Song
Here's Made again making love to his guitar. One of the things I love about travel is meeting musicians and hearing them play. Some are full of talent and so unique. Made is one of them. He has traveled Europe and the United States, has recorded albums and played gigs all over. But Bali is his home and that's where he's built his stage.
saxophonejazz musicBali