The sound I saw : improvisation on a jazz theme

This long-awaited publication showcases a masterwork by renowned photographer Roy DeCarava, conceived in the early 1960s but unpublished for nearly fifty years. The Sound I Saw has become a legend in photography circles, featuring 196 soulful images paired with DeCarava's evocative poetry, creating a printed equivalent of jazz. The author describes it as a book about people, jazz, and the nuances of life, aiming to present images that engage both the mind and the heart. A lifelong New Yorker, DeCarava captures his immediate world, portraying universal themes of joy, anticipation, pain, and survival. Initially recognized for his depictions of daily life in Harlem and portraits of jazz legends like Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday, DeCarava's work intertwines these themes, making them the focal point of the book. However, the seemingly casual yet deeply felt compositions, along with the rich tones of his photographs, evoke emotions that resonate beyond a single neighborhood or era. This publication not only celebrates DeCarava's artistic vision but also offers a profound exploration of the human experience through the lens of jazz and the vibrant life of Harlem.