Jazz

Published in 1959 by De Bezige Bij in Amsterdam, Ed van der Elsken's 'Jazz' is a monochrome photographic book documenting the jazz scene in the Netherlands, particularly Amsterdam, between 1955 and 1959. The publication features photographs taken during a period when jazz was highly popular among the burgeoning avant-garde. The book's layout, designed by Van der Elsken himself, is intended to graphically translate the complex rhythms of the music; the succession of images reflects the frenetic pace of the performances, while the use of white space evokes moments of silence. The diversity of the formats suggests the alternation of instruments played solo or in chorus, creating unique sonic echoes. The book includes texts by Jan Vrijman, Hugo Claus, Simon Carmiggelt, Friso Endt, and Michiel de Ruyter. This version was Published by De Nederlandse Boekenclub Den Haag.