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Jazz In Available Light, book cover — photography by Veryl Oakland, foreword by Quincy Jones
Jazz In Available Light, book cover — photography by Veryl Oakland, foreword by Quincy Jones

The Stories Behind the Photographs

Authenticity captured on film.

Veryl Oakland's sustained access to jazz's greatest artists resulted in more than photographs – it captured moments of authenticity rarely witnessed. Nearly 350 images paired with intimate stories from a photojournalist who was there.

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As a key photo correspondent for both DownBeat and Swing Journal (Japan) throughout the 1970s and '80s, Veryl Oakland had rare, sustained access to jazz's greatest artists. But what made him different wasn't just the assignments – it was the collaboration, it was the trust. Musicians invited him into private moments, both on and off stage, allowing him to capture an authenticity not often witnessed.

The result is Jazz In Available Light: nearly 350 photographs organized around four distinct perspectives. "A Day in the Life" captures intimate, casual moments – rehearsals, downtime, personal conversations – revealing the person behind the artist; "In the Spotlight" documents musicians at their peak, in performance; "Unexpected Treats" highlights special reunions and meaningful musical combinations; and "Special Encounters" celebrates unlikely collaborations and standouts for the photographer.

Featuring an array of the greats – Thelonious Monk, Sarah Vaughan, Duke Ellington, Chet Baker, Dizzy Gillespie, and many others, as well as Foreword by Quincy Jones, this book is the definitive intimate record of an era – standing as both a visual archive and a testament to what access and trust can reveal.

Photos + Excerpts From the Book

Every image has a story. Select an artist to read excerpts straight from the chapters of Jazz in Available Light.

BETTY CARTER

"Totally in Charge"

BETTY CARTER

"Totally in Charge"

CHET BAKER

"Defying the Odds"

CHET BAKER

"Defying the Odds"

CECIL TAYLOR

"Loft Headquarters"

"Loft Headquarters"

SARAH VAUGHAN

"A Night to Remember"

SARAH VAUGHAN

"A Night to Remember"

ART BLAKEY & WAYNE SHORTER

"A Bond Like No Other"

"A Bond Like No Other"

WEATHER REPORT

"The Early "8:30" Tour"

"The Early "8:30" Tour"

RED GARLAND

"Feeling the Blues"

"Feeling the Blues"

THELONIOUS MONK

"Let's Cool One"

THELONIOUS MONK

"Let's Cool One"

Jazz In Available Light, book cover — photography by Veryl Oakland, foreword by Quincy Jones
Jazz In Available Light, book cover — photography by Veryl Oakland, foreword by Quincy Jones
Signed First Edition
Signed First Edition
Signed First Edition
Signed First Edition

Signed First Edition

Sale price $60.00

Get your signed first edition of Jazz In Available Light – great as a gift, or to enjoy just for yourself.

What You Will Receive

  • First edition of the book, signed by Veryl Oakland
  • Handwritten note from the author
  • Shipped in a custom box with a graphic design inspired by the cover photograph of Miles Davis

"An invaluable contribution to the history of jazz."

— DownBeat Magazine

“The pictures and stories…pierce the soul in a manner that can only be understood through a personal journey – one in which I urge you to embark on and discover for yourself as you read through the contents of this book.”

— Quincy Jones

“It’s an invaluable addition to your library if you’re interested in the history of jazz and a must if you’re into jazz photography.”

— Jazz Journal, London

"Intricate, intimate, or exhilarating moments in the lives and work practices of iconic or overlooked jazz musicians." 

— San Francisco Classical Voice