 |
Blue Shots |
 |
ERIK LINDAHL, born in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1952, began photographing blues artists during the 1970 visit of the American Folk Blues Festival to his hometown. Though he was subsequently trained as a professional photographer, blues has largely been Erik’s private passion. Over the past 25 years he has generously contributed his work to Jefferson blues magazine, where his photos have graced many covers.
Like other European blues enthusiasts who have made pilgrimages to the United States, Erik has made the most of his travels, documenting the blues scenes of Oakland, St. Louis, Jackson, Clarksdale, Helena, Los Angeles and Baton Rouge, as well as many out-of-the-way blues clubs on Chicago’s West and South Sides. Most of Erik’s visits to the U.S. took place in the late ’70s and early ’80s, a period often described as a low point for the blues. Erik’s work suggests otherwise, demonstrating vital blues scenes that were hidden in plain sight.
Although Erik has many performance shots of blues legends in his portfolio, some of his most striking images – and those closest to his heart – were taken away from the stage. His photographs of artists proudly displaying their children, working day jobs, or simply relaxing with friends reflect his deep interest in the broader environs of the blues and remind us that the blues is grounded in the joys and pains of everyday life.
– Scott Barretta, former editor of Jefferson and Living Blues magazines
More information
|
|
|
