Various (Eichele, Robin; English, Ron et al.)

Original Photograph: Ron English and Unidentified Bassist

Detroit, MI: Detroit Artists Workshop, 1965. First Edition. Single Sheet. Original black & white photographic print (measuring approx. 11” x 8” including margins) featuring Ron English (b. 1941), jazz guitarist with roots wide and deep in blues, Broadway, bebop, avant-garde, funk, Motown and gospel on the right, and an unknown individual (possibly John Dana (1941-2018), bassist of the Detroit Contemporary 5 but it's hard to be sure) on the left. English was a jazz guitarist from Lansing, Michigan, who eventually went on to join the Detroit Contemporary 5, led by trumpeter Charles Moore (1951-2024), in the mid-60’s. Its first edition also included drummer Danny Spencer, bassist John Dana and saxophonist Larry Nozero (1943-2005). The DC5 was the house band of the Detroit Artists Workshop Society, an arts collective spearheaded by John Sinclair (1941-2024). The photo seems to capture English and the unknown-possibly-John-Dana-bassist mid performance/rehearsal; English intently staring off in the distance while either hammering out some melody or playing some obscure jazz chords while the unknown bassist is cleaning their strings. This photo was taken by (as credited at verso, see image) and is from the collection of scholar, poet and our dear friend Robin Eichele (b. 1941), noted Mimeograph Revolutionary & co-founder (with the late, great John Sinclair) of the Detroit Artists’ Workshop. First & only printing. In relatively very fine condition with only minimal wear to fine edges. Very Fine. [Item #8482]

Price: $100.00