Music.Art.Life.
The Jazz Series
Dizzy
Intensely Trane
John Coltrane, American jazz saxophonist and composer is Heston’s favorite Jazz artist of all time. This piece is the second iteration of this painting, as Heston sort to perfect his vision of Coltrane with his saxophone. As a fellow musician and artist, Heston wanted to capture the feelings, passion and intensity of Coltrane and pay homage to his musical heritage.
ORIGINAL - SOLD
Not a Wonderful World
American trumpeter and vocalist Louis Armstrong has created an amazing catalog of music and is noted as one of the all time most influential figures in jazz. For African Americans of his day, Louis was a controversial artist, who was viewed as a “sell out” and “Uncle Tom.”
The marketing materials during his heyday were as close to black face as you can get. Heston’s goal with this art piece was to illustrate dignity, beauty in blackness, and have Louis stand firm as the giant that he still is today.
Strange Fruit
Billie Holiday was an American jazz and swing music singer. Nicknamed "Lady Day" by her friend and music partner, Lester Young, Holiday had an innovative influence on jazz music and pop singing. For Heston, Strange Fruit and the ultimate message that it conveys, is the driving force behind this entire Jazz Legends collection - the recognition, acknowledgment, reverence, equity, and celebration for the beauty that is Blackness!!!
Down Here On The Ground
John Leslie "Wes" Montgomery was an American jazz guitarist. Wes was known for an unusual technique of plucking the strings with the side of his thumb and his extensive use of octaves, which gave him a distinctive sound. Heston wanted to capture and pay homage to the not too well-known jazz guitarist legend, and celebrate his brilliance. Heston reflected on Wes’ untimely passing at the age of 45 and commented, “one can only imagine the potential of his genius.”
Let's Call the Whole Thing Off
Featured in this painting is the legendary Ella Jane Fitzgerald; an American jazz singer, sometimes referred to as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella.” Heston described his admiration for all she has accomplished as an artist and his journey to arriving here with this work. "In all of my artwork, there is always an ugly stage, with this one lasting the longest. Slowly the edges softened and her true essence came into view. This painting is my favorite of this Jazz legend series!”