In 2000 we arrived out of eight years in Africa and into Kent, settling for several years on the banks of the River Medway in the ancient town of Rochester. Centuries as a port town and close proximity to the historic Chatham Docks and several Napoleonic forts ensured the place had plenty of old inns, including the Eagle Tavern. On Sundays, from midday to late afternoon there was live jazz in the bar, and performances from jazzworld’s rising stars. The musicians used the venue to warm up for their night-time gigs in nearby London. They charged nothing, though we usually bought their latest CDs.
Back in those days he who binds books returned briefly to his camera to take a series of black and white jazz portraits. This first shot of Renato D’Aiello is one of my favourites. And here’s another: an impromptu audience looking in; also a back-to-front gig list:
Tish Farrell 
Such a strong portrait.
Isn’t it. I never get tired of looking at it.
Ah The Eagle Tavern. As you may remember, I went to art college in Rochester, back in the day….and The Eagle was one of our haunts. Reading this post, makes me want to go down there and enjoy one of their jazz lunches…might just do that. Have a wonderful weekend. janet 🙂
Of course! Your old stamping ground. A wintery day and some jazz in a friendly pub are just the thing aren’t they.
One of the most pleasurable things ever:) Enjoy your weekend..and here’s to some good jazz. janet 🙂
Happy weekend to you too, Janet.
The lighting of the portrait is fabulous. Love the reference to “he who binds books”. Always a memory popping journey looking at photos of the past.
Thanks, Sue. I will pass on your appreciative words. Can hardly entice him to use a camera these days.
Maybe this will be a little nudge in the direction.
Either that or I hijack his nice camera 🙂
Wonderful photos and post for this week. 😀
Thank you, Cee.
I love listening to jazz. The B&W shots are very good. 😍
Nothing like some good jazz 🙂
Black and white portraits still have something special about them. Maybe it’s the light and shadow and the way it plays across a face. Great photography. I wouldn’t mind a tavern where they play jazz. That sounds like a good way to spend an evening!
I’d forgotten how much we miss having a place like this i.e. that we can walk to and listen to good live music.
You had me completely hooked at your description of Rochester. That sounds like my kind of place to explore for days!
Lots of Charles Dickens connections too. He grew up in the area. And an ancient castle and cathedral. It was an interesting place to live, though rather crushed between an out-of-city conurbation of the 5 Medway towns which all ran into each other.
I so envy your deep history!
Such a beautiful description and love these photos. I really wish I could walk into that pub and enjoy the jazz. Much love
Chin-chin, Athena 🙂
Wonderful!
Ah, those were the days… free jazz! And a handy book binder 🙂 🙂 Happy Sunday, Tish!
Have a good one, you two down there in Portugal. (Trying not to be jealous). Woolly hat day today with much whistling wind. Am about to gird loins and much besides and head to the allotment. I have a poorly wheelbarrow and need to take its wheel off, and book binding man is not presently handy.
I managed to get some washing stuck in the machine the other day. A good whack in the right place fixed it. Don’t suppose you can apply that to the barrow 😎💕
Nope. Think it needs a spanner, which I didn’t have when I got to the allotment. Good excuse not to start hauling soil around.
Wonderful photos! Both have really captured the moment and the people.
Alison
Many thanks, Alison. Shall pass this on to the photographer. He’ll be v. pleased 🙂