chrlyndbx@mindspring.com
Once again, I blinked, and three months have gone by. I hope you're
all doing well. There's been a lot going on here, so hang on for the
re-cap.
One of the most exciting new projects I've had in quite a while was
getting to shoot a live album for 60s folk-pop legends Chad & Jeremy
in late April. Considering that their usual photographer is the
legendary Gered Mankowitz, I more than happy to share the guys with
Gered. This record will hopefully be released in the next several
months, so check out www.chadandjeremy.net for more info.
Lots of new records with my photos are on the way. The new Chatham
County Line CD, Wildwood, will be out in early July. Out now is the
new CD by Maurice Williams, a new best-of by Savoy Brown, new Mike
Strauss album, and a new Woody & The Stragglers CD all feature my
photos. I've also recently done some posed work with Transmission
Fields, Garrigan (aka the legendary Jay Garrigan), Maurice Williams
and others. Arlo Guthrie and his family are also now using my photos
from this past March. Let's see, I've now worked with the Carter
family, and the Guthrie family. Not bad!
On the print and magazine front, I've had continued work with the
Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Magazine, UNC-Alumni Magazine, UNC-
Charlotte event department, Mint Museum, Charlotte Museum of History,
and others. I've also been doing some feature story photos with the
Charlotte Post. Be on the lookout for my Arthur Lee photos in upcoming
issues of Rolling Stone, and Word Magazine.
Lots of cool live shows to shoot recently. Neil Young & Bert Jansch,
Procol Harum at Wolf Trap, James Taylor & Carole King, Tift Merritt
(check out Tift's site for my photos from this show), Avett Brothers
(good to see you guys again), Merlefest, Heroes Convention in
Charlotte, Pheonix, Levon Helm, and many others.
Thanks to all of you that came out for my Cash photo show at Dish. As
some of you know, I have been busy helping to re-start Tangents
Magazine, a local music and arts mag I has involved with way back
when. It's now back, and can check it out at www.tangentsmag.com.
Please email us if you'd like to get involved, have us cover your
favorite band, or just want to say hello. Also, check out my
interviews with Big Star, Terry Manning, Midlake and others in the new
issue of the Big Takeover (www.bigtakeover.com). Please also email me if you
were in, or saw a North Carolina band
during the 1960s. Work is going well on that book project, and we hope to hear from you soon. Best wishes to all, and take care,
-Daniel
June 17, 2010
Just a quick note about all the things that have been going on lately. The
April issue of Charlotte Magazine has a large feature about my days with
the Avett Brothers. Pick up a copy, and check out many more photos here.
http://www.charlottemagazine.com/Charlotte-Magazine/April-2010/Back-in-the-Day/
My Cash photos are now up at Dish Restaurant, here in Charlotte. Please come
by and check out the photos. I'm also taking part in the first-ever Bathtub
Social at the Neighborhood Theatre this Friday night, April 2nd. It's a collection
of local artists showing and selling their work. Admission is free, and doors
open at 7pm.
You may have seen my photos featured on UNC-TV's North Carolina Weekend, in
a story on the Cat's Cradle. Recent work includes promo photos with Josh
Panda and his fabulous band, irish legends Patrick Street, Ebony Hillbillies,
Arlo Guthrie and the entire Guthrie Family, Lionel Cornelius (of the Cornelius
Brothers), the Black Banjo Gathering in both Boone and Charlotte, NC, work
with the Charlotte Observer, and Charlotte Symhpony. Recent cool live shoots
include Bob Lind, Beach Fossils, Surfer Blood, Black Lips, and several others.
Work on the restarted Tangents is continuing, and I'll have more info soon.
I'm also working on a book project on the North Carolina rock scene in the
1960s. If you played in an NC band during that time, saw shows around that
time, or have any photos or fliers from that time, email me at danelcoston@aol.com,
I'd love to hear from you.
A huge farewell to Alex Chilton (part two of my Big Star interview series coming
in the next issue of the Big Takeover), Jim Marshall, and Mark Linkous, among
too many others. Best wishes and take care,
-Daniel
A belated Happy Valentine's Day to you all. The last several weeks have been
trapped in that "beginning to the year" freelance lull, but I finally
have some news to tell you about.
To go along with the release of the final Johnny Cash/American Recordings
CD, I will be bringing a show of my 2003 Cash photos back to Charlotte for
the first time in over four years. Dish Restaurant, over in Plaza-Midwood,
has given me their gallery space from March 15th to the end of April. This
will be a rare chance to see my photos from those amazing few weeks of my life.
The photos will also be for sale, and will be the last time I exhibit the Cash
photos, or any of my photos, for the forseeable future. Email me, or call Dish
Restaurant for more information.
I recently got to do some photos with the Temptations, when they were here
in town with the Charlotte Symphony. I also did a photo shoot with the Carolina
Chocolate Drops last month, some of which you'll hopefully see soon. I also
did a photo shoot with Secondhand Stories, which was a lot of fun. Other cool
recent live shows and photos have included Ray Price, Eric Bachmann, Those
Darlins, Nick Oliveri and Furthur. I've also been helping Steve Crump put together
a documentary on the legendary NC musician Joe Thompson. More on this as the
year progresses.
Recent work includes several events for the Charlotte Observer, and Charlotte
Magazine. I've finished new interviews with Big Star and Terry Manning for
the next issue of the Big Takeover, which'll be out in May. Other folks to
use my photos recently includes the NPR show State Of The Re:Union, and the
latest volume of The New Encyclopedia Of Southern Culture, out now on UNC Press.
Some of you may now that I started this accidental career at Tangents Magazine,
a monthly magazine based here in Charlotte from 1995 to 1998. In the spirit
of the older rock bands who are now doing reunion tours, Tangents has decided
to reform as a webzine, which will be officially up and running in the summer.
You'll get to see many of my archived interviews from that era, including Douglas
Adams, Mystery Science Theater 3000, and many more, as well as lots of new
stuff. If you're a writer or artist looking for an outlet that still has a
following, 13 years after it folded (much to my own recent surprise), email
typoe@yahoo.com, or email me with questions here. Tangents Magazine, it's not
just a job, it's an adventure.
Hope you're all doing well. Best wishes, and take care,
-Daniel
Oh my, is it December? It’s amazing how one can stretch a “next
week” project, such as this letter, over a period of a few months. I’m
writing this on the tail end of my 37th birthday, which I’ve been taking
in this year with some reflection. Ultimately, at this time of year, I count
myself lucky to still be here, and to still be at this crazy business of photography,
writing and other media variations.
Yes, we have been busy lately. Where do I start? I did the new promo photos
for the fabled Reduced Shakespeare Company last month, a gig that was just a
blast to do. You’ll be seeing those photos both on their website, and
here shortly. I traveled to Atlanta recently to
photograph Lou Barlow and Dinosaur Jr. for an upcoming feature for The Big Takeover
Magazine. I’m also happy to report that the new issue of the Takeover
also features my interviews with Big Star, John Fry of Ardent Studios, Dave
Mattacks and Maximo Park.
I’ve also had the chance to travel a bit again, including shoots ranging
from Vriginia to Georgia. Maurice Williams hired me to photograph his 50th anniversary
show in Newberry, SC earlier this month, which was a fantastic gig, all around.
Other shoots recently included Steeleye Span’s 40th anniversary tour in
Alexandria, VA, Arrogance’s 40th anniverary show in Chapel Hill, and a
few festivals here and there. I was also hired to photograph the Endless Summer
Quarterly shows in Cornelius, NC in September. This was headlined by Dean Torrence
of Jan & Dean, David Marks of the Beach Boys, Billy Hinsche (of Dino, Desi
& Billy, and many Beach Boys tours), and others that made the show more
fun that I’ve had on a gig in ages.
As for posed photos, I’ll be in Durham in December to photograph the
new dbs album. You bet I’m excited about this. Other recent shoots include
Mike Strauss, Nita Belk, Hot House Hefftones, and others. Luego’s new
album, Taped-Together Stories, photographed by yours
truly, is now out, as is What We Have Sewn by Joshua Panda. Thanks to both for
showcasing my photos so well. Other recent live shows I photographed include
Roger Daltrey, Wolfmother with thenewno2 (Dhani Harrison’s band, very
cool), Dawn Landes, Carolina Chocolate Drops,
Jonathan Edwards, and many others.
I recently finished a show of photos at Dish Restaurant here in Charlotte,
which I hope to do again in the coming year. And yes, the Double Door book is
continuing on, and I hope that you’ll make it a stocking stuffer for someone,
be they friends or enemies. I am still in the process to trying to find a publisher
for the proposed NC musicians book, and I’ll keep you posted on its progress.
Through my work with Maurice Williams, I got to know his vocalist and friend
Freddie Mangum very well. Freddie left us all too soon in October, and I’m
thankful for the time that I got to work with him. Godspeed also goes out to
Robert Kirby, and several others that gave with their art and voice.
For those of you that have been around Charlotte, NC for a while, you may remember
that I was part of Tangents Magazine throughout its history in the late 90s.
My fellow cohorts from that magazine are holding their first reunion since those
days this Saturday, Dec. 4th at 6:30pm at Dish Restaurant. If you were a fan
of the magazine, or remember the magazine, feel free to say hello. The previous
night, one of the first records I ever had photographs in, Lou Ford’s
Sad But Familiar album, will be getting the classic album treatment at Snug
Harbor, here in Charlotte. Between that and next week’s booksignings,
it’s goiing to be a good and busy December, and I hope it will be good
times for you, as well.
Best wishes, happy holidays and take care,
-Daniel
November 30, 2009=
I'm sorry that I haven't posted more recently, it's been a hectic few months.
I wanted to let you know that I'll be back at Joseph Beth booksellers, here
in Charlotte at Southpark Mall, on December 7th at 6pm for another booksigning.
I'll also be at the Double Door Inn to
sign copies of the Double Door Inn book (imagine that) the previous evening,
December 6th, as part of the Charlotte Blues Society's holiday party. Come on
out to either event, and pick up that perfect gift for Christmas, my book on
the Double Door Inn.
A bigger update coming soon. Happy holidays,
-Daniel
November 24, 2009
P.S. Happy birthday to my sister Karen.
Wow, how did mid-August come so quickly? My thanks to all of you that came out
for my Double Door book signings the past several weeks. I’ll be doing
some more signings as we get closer to Christmas.
I meant to let you all know about this sooner, but I have a new show of photos
in September, once again at Dish Restaurant in Charlotte. The show is entitled
“The Singer Looks Back At You,” and is a show of all portraits of
artists, musicians and such. This is a show that I’ve been wanting to
do for some time, to move away for a while from the “live photo”
perception, and present some of my favorite works, away from concert stages.
The show will be up throughout the month of September, so come by and check
out these photos, as this will be my last show for some time.
This has been an interesting summer, as I took some time away from shooting
to travel, and=2 0to dive in some other endeavors. This includes the Double
Door Inn book, interviewing musicians for the next issue of the Big Takeover,
and other projects. I am happy to report that I’m back behind the camera
again, and just did a promo shoot for the fantastic Philadelphia band Espers
last weekend. I also just new promo photos for the New Riders Of The Purple
Sage, which included a tribute to their recently departed founder, John Dawson.
Other recent shoots include Maya Angelou, UNC Alumni Magazine, Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Weekly and others. And there is more soon to come....
We have lost so many great musicians and friends recently, but a big tip of
the hat goes to Les Paul, whom I spent two days photographing in the summer
of 2003. I wish you all could have met him, he was a true joy to be around.
Godspeed to Jay Bennett, John Dawson, Jim Dickinson, Mike Seeger, and all of
you out there now in search of the next great gig. best wishes and take care,
-Daniel
Aug. 17, 2009
The recent Home Of The Blues booksigning at Southpark Mall went so well that
I've decided to do another booksigning at Park Road Books on July 18th, at 2pm.
Park Road Books have been very good to myself and the book, so it made sense
to have another booksigning there. I'll be on hand to sign books, and talk about
putting the book together, and the history of the fabled Double Door Inn music
venue.
Park Road Books is located in the Park Road shopping center, at the corner
of Woodlawn and Park Road, here in Charlotte. Contact the store at (704) 525-9239
for more information. I hope you're all doing well, and thanks again for your
time.
-Daniel
co-author, Home Of The Blues: 35 Years Of The Double Door Inn
(704) 578-1748 mobile
www.danielcostonphotography.com
www.myspace.com/ddithebook
For those of you who are early risers, I'll be appearing on WBTV's morning
show this Saturday, July 4th at 6:50am to talk about the Double Door Inn book.
I'll then be taking a nap (not on air, mind you), and then appearing on the
mighty WNCW (88.7FM, or wncw.org) at 8pm that evening to talk about the book
again. Why celebrate our nation's anniversary when you can sell books, I say.
Tune in or turn on, and I'll talk to you all again soon. Happy Indy day,
-Daniel
June 30, 2009
Due to popular demand, I've booked a signing for the Double Door Inn book at
Charlotte's own Park Road Books on Saturday, July 18th at 2pm. Copies have been
flying out of Park Road Books, so it was only natural to have our next signing
there. Go to www.parkroadbooks.com, and request your own copy for the signing.
I'll also be appearing on Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins on WFAE-FM (90.7FM
in the Charlotte area, www.wfae.org around the world) on the July 15th. More
promotional copies connected with the book are coming soon. See you all soon,
and take care,
-Daniel
June 25, 2009
My thanks to everyone that came out to the Double Door Inn booksigning at Southpark
Mall. As you may know, doing this signing alone had worried me some, but if
the right offer comes along soon, I might do this again.
Some new work to tell you about, including photographing the Bolshoi Ballet
last week for the Carolina Alumni Review, as well as photographing the New York
Dolls. (My thanks to Cheryl at Rhino/Atco for that.) Chris Stamey & Peter
Holaspple's new record, photographed by yours truly, is now out and getting
good reviews. If you're near Chapel Hill next Saturday, June 27th, come on by
the Cat's Cradle for their CD release party. I'll be there, as well, working
towards the next Chris & Peter photo shoot.
Across the pond, I have a photo in the new CD by my friends Martin Stephenson
and Helen McCookerybook, entitled Hamilton Square. I also have photos in a fine
new biography about Martin, entitled The Soul Of The Song. Go to www.martinstephenson.com
or www.myspace.com/martinstephenson to get a copy of both items.
A belated birthday also goes out to my wife Sandra, with whom I had a great
time in Ohio earlier this month. Thanks for being along for the ride, kid. Best
wishes to you all, and take care,
-Daniel
June 20, 2009
Thanks for all your emails after the passing of my Double Door book co-author,
Debby Wallace. It has been very much appreciated. I wanted to let you know that
there will be a signing for the book next Saturday, June 20th, from 1 to 3pm
at Joseph Beth Booksellers in Southpark Mall. Debby and I had scheduled this
before her passing, and she was so looking forward to this event, that I decided
to keep this signing. Come out, say hello, buy a book (if you haven't already),
and join as I go this one alone. I do not have any other signings for the book
scheduled at this time.
As some of you already know, Debby's passing came a week after my grandmother's
passing. I drove back home to New York to attend her memorial, and ended up
both speaking at the funeral, and doing family photos afterwards. While I was
not always able to consistently visit my grandmother through the years, I've
always had close ties with both my family, and the upstate area of New York.
Grandma Jean had gotten to see her family grow up, and find our way in the world,
which I'm grateful for. She'll never be too far away, in spirit, but I will
always miss her.
Take care to you all,
-Daniel
I've heard that the funeral for Debby Wallace will be held this Saturday at
7pm, at Wilson Funeral Home, on Albemarle Road here in Charlotte. Thank you
all for your calls and emails. Best wishes and take care,
-Daniel
June 3, 2009
With a very heavy heart, I am writing to inform you that Debby Wallace, my
co-author on the Double Door Inn book, has passed away. Needless to say, this
is very stunning to all of us that knew her, and worked with her. Debby seemed
to fit so much life into every day, which makes this sudden passing all the
more unbelievable.
When Debby first approached me with the idea for the Double Door book in 2007,
she believed in the idea so much that it made me want to help her put the book
together. It was a lot of work, but the joy that we both got from the response
from the book is something I'll always treasure. I take immense pride in being
part of something that gave Debby so much happiness over the last couple of
years.
Funeral services for Debby are pending, and I will try to pass on information
when I receive it. My best wishes and condolences go out to Debby's husband,
children (whom she loved so much) and friends. Best wishes to you all, and take
care,
-Daniel
June 1, 2009
Once again, I've blinked and two months have gone by. My thanks to everyone
that came out for the Cash show in Greensboro in February. Hopefully, we'll
do that again somewhere soon. There's lots to tell you about, so here we go.
"Home Of The Blues," the book on Charlotte's Double Door Inn that
I co-authored, is now in print and in stores. Check it out at www.myspace.com/ddithebook,
or look for it on Amazon.com
to order a copy. My thanks to everyone that came out for last week's premiere.
Look for more press on this book soon.
SXSW in Texas last month was a lot of fun. The highlight was working with the
Sonics, doing one of their first photo shoots in 40 years, and seeing them play
one of the best sets I saw that entire week. Thanks guys, am I'm proud to add
you to my client list. Other highlights were sets by Jimmy Webb, the Decemberists,
my old acquiantances the Avett Brothers, P. J. Harvey, Andrew Bird and many
others.
I photographed Maurice Williams' new record last month, celebrating his 50th
anniversary with the Zodiacs. Hopefully, you'll see his record soon. Other recent
shoots include work with the Rolling Stones tribute band Hot Rocks (www.hotrocks.ca),
local faves Raised By Wolves, and a few others. Other recent big gigs include
photos of Cheech & Chong (thanks for the passes, Tommy!), the opening night
of the Dead's reunion tour, John Scofield (I got Ricky Fataar to sign my Rutles
record, awesome), and a host of other shows.
I'm also proud to announce that one of my photos of Allison Krauss has been
bought for the Grammy Museum's permanent collection, and more may be added later.
I'm also contributing my photos to a memorial DVD of Charles Hairston, that
will help to offset the bills that Charles' hospital stays left behind. More
on this soon, as well.
While saying Godspeed to Charles, and old friend Duane Jarvis, I have to also
bid adieu to my longtime car, who after over 300,00 miles of rock n' roll travels,
died on the road coming back from an out-of-town gig. Yes, it proudly died with
its wheels on. This was the car I had for my first two trips to SXSW, the Cash
shows, and numerous errands on my wedding day, among many others. Like many
friends we've known, they may no longer be with us, but they will always be
here in spirit, helping to carry us to the next gig.
Long may you run, all of you. Take care,
-Daniel
April 22, 2009
The event will take place from 5pm to 7:30pm, and the book will be available
afterwards at locations throughout the Southeast, as well as through the book's
website, www.myspace.com/ddithebook.
Contact Daniel Coston at (704) 578-1748, or danielcoston@aol.com for any questions
or media inquiries. We hope to see you at the Double Door on April 17th at 5pm.
Where did January go? I hope that all of you have been doing well. It's been
a busy several weeks, with a new president, and other things that will hopefully
carry some optimism throughout the year. There's a lot to tell you about from
here, so here we go.
For those of you that have asked when I will do another show of my Johnny Cash
photos, it has finally come to pass. My photos will be up at the Green Bean
in Greensboro, NC for the entire month. We'll have an official show party on
the evening of February 19th, with live music and yours truly in attendance.
There'll also be a couple of Cash photos in this show that you've never seen
before. Look for stories about my show in next week's Triad area papers. So
come on out, buy a photo and let me know what you think of the show.
After a few weeks of assorted wrangling with the publisher, the Double Door
Inn book is now at the printers, and will be back sometime this month. We'll
have a book-signing party at the Double Door just as soon as we can schedule
one. Keep checking here for updates, or at the book's official site, www.myspace.com/ddithebook.
Meanwhile, another book that I've been working on, this time on NC musicians,
is currently making the rounds of publishers. More on this soon, as well.
Recent work includes shoots for the Charlotte Observer, UNC Alumni Review,
legendary songwriter Tom Rush, the Spongetones, Charlotte Symphony, and others.
Other cool people that I've photographed recently include Alejandro Escovedo,
David Bromberg, former president Jimmy Carter, Clarence Carter, and others.
Some of you will remember that I went to Iceland with the band Mar in 2005,
to document the recording of their CD, The Silence. A documentary about that
trip has been put together, and is now for sale. While it's a bit strange to
endorse a film I haven't seen yet (you did make me look good, right, Zack?),
the DVD also include a whole section of my photos from that trip, most of which
have not been seen yet. Check out the DVD at
www.myspace.com/silenticeland. I'll let you all know when the film premiere
is, when it is announced.
Godspeed to Ron Asheton, Billy Powell, and John Updike. Hope to see you all
out somewhere soon. Take care,
-Daniel
February 2, 2009
How are you? Happy New Year. Due to popular demand (and constant reminding),
I've posted a whole slew of new pics in my portfolio. This includes my recent
photos with Band Of Horses, Chris Stamey & Peter Holsapple, Richie Havens,
John Dee Holeman, Kim Simmonds, Ric Flair with Hulk Hogan, and a host of live
shots. Scroll through them, and let me know what you think.
I'm proud to announce that my show of Johnny Cash photos will be back on the
road next month. My Cash photos will be at the Green Bean Gallery in Greensboro,
NC throughout the whole month of February. The gallery is at 341 S. Elm St.
in Greensboro. Check out the Green Bean online at www.myspace.com/greensborobean.
And yes, the photos will be for sale.
Thanks to everyone that came out for the Double Door's 35th anniversary show
on Dec. 22nd. The book is now at the printers, and we are awaiting arrival.
We will have a book signing later this month at the Double Door just as soon
as they're back, and I will announce that just as soon as we've settled on a
date.
Lots more to announce in the near future. Godspeed to Ron Asheton of the Stooges,
Delaney Bramlett, and all those that we lost in 2008. As I knew you once, so
I will know you again. Best wishes, and take care,
-Daniel
Jan. 7, 2009
I've been asked again to appear on WBT's John Hancock show tomorrow night,
Dec. 18th at 8pm, to talk about the forthcoming Double Door Inn book. For those
of you tuning in, that's 1110AM, 99.3FM (around Charlotte), and online at www.wbt.com.
Listen in while you're finishing that holiday shopping. Happy holidays, and
take care,
-Daniel
Dec. 17th, 2008
How are you? Happy holidays, wherever you are. In this time of frantic searching
for gifts, I know that some of you have said to yourself, "Darn, I'd like
to give something that has some Daniel Coston photography included with it,
but I just don't know where to find them." Well, fear not, as there is
a recent abundance of CDs and books that include my photos.
Kim Simmonds
of Savoy Brown has a great new acoustic CD out called "Out Of The Blue,"
photographed by yours truly. Sammy
Walker's "Misfit Scarecrow" (out now on Ramseur Records) is one
of the best records I've been involved with in a long time, one you should definitely
hear. I also highly recommend Gael
Warning's "License To Kilt" CD (one of the best titles for a record
I've shot), and the
Virginia Reel's debut EP. And if Chatham
County Line is in your town or country soon, pick up their "Live In
Caroline" CD, photographed by me, which is only available at their merch
table. While you're there, ask if they have a copy of "Live On Film,"
another tour-only CD that features my photos.
As some of you may have heard, my first book project, "Home Of The Blues:
35 Years Of The Double Door Inn" will be out in a few weeks. Check out
the December issue of Charlotte Magazine for excerpts from the book, and my
photos. Go to www.myspace.com/ddithebook
to order your copy. "Grateful Dead 365," a great photo book that was
put together by Holly George-Warren, is out now, and features five of my photos.
And the new issue of the Big Takeover is out now, and features my photos and
interviews with Fleet Foxes, and Chris White and Hugh Grundy of the Zombies.
And of course, if you'd like to buy any photos directly from me, email me here,
or go to www.walnutst.com
for nice, limited-edition prints of my work. It's been a busy fall, with shoots
ranging from the Charlotte Observer, the New Familiars, Durham musician Luego,
and a host of live shows, include M83, Neil Halstead, and many others. Hope
you all have a good holiday season, stay warm and take care.
-Daniel
November 29, 2008
Wow, what a blur the best few weeks have been. Where do we begin?
My show at Dish Restaurant is entering its final week, so get out there before
it all goes back into my den. Also, I have five photos at the Evening Muse (www.eveningmuse.com),
along with three other fine photographers. Check out their work at the Muse,
as well as mine. I also have photos up at Zada Jane's Restaurant, just across
the street from Dish. Food, photos, what else do you need?
Lots of gigs to report, including work with Disney and Make-A-Wish, New World
Van Lines at Concord Motor Speedway (thanks to Sara of Ron Chapple for the recommendation),
ASC awards with Arthur Smith and many more, Neiman Marcus, and continued work
with the Charlotte Observer, among others. Not to say that the music stuff has
slacked off. Tonight, I got to photograph Jackson Browne, who was joined by
Maurice Williams to perform "Stay." Truly a cool gig. This follows
recent photos of Jack's Mannequin, Hanson, Luego with Peter Holsapple, Chuck
Wagon Gang, writers and artists Harvey Pekar and Allison Bechdel, and the Australian
Pink Floyd Experience. I also did some new photos for John Dee Holeman, Ian
Thomas, Shelley Short, and others.
I had a blast with Chatham County Line and Jonas Fjeld in Asheville. Their
record sounds so sweet. "Blue In The Morning" is the song of the year
in 2009, mark my words. The record will be out next year on Sony Norway.
In the middle of all this revelry, Sandra and I celebrated our first wedding
anniversery, and our cat Milo turned four. Oh crud, now I've got to get him
ready for pre-school.
Lots more to come. Hope everyone is doing well. Congrats to Scott Avett on
the birth of his first kid. Love to all, and best wishes,
-Daniel
Oct. 23, 2008
Well, I guess it really is a time for change. There are new people in place
at Dish Restaurant (Thomas Avenue, in Charlotte's Plaza-Midwood heighborhood),
and they have asked me to exhibit there throughout the month of October. The
photos will be in place on September 30th, and an opening night reception on
Thursday, October 1st. More details on all of this will soon follow. So come
out, buy some photos, and maybe get some food, too, ha ha.
Godspeed to Richard Wright, and here's hoping that the Great Gig In The Sky
is even better than his old gig down here. Set the controls for the heart of
the sun,
-Daniel
September 16, 2008
Jack Bruce
Chastain Park, Atlanta, GA
August 8, 2008
photo 2008 Daniel Coston
Good Lord, where did the summer go? I hope that everyone out there has had
a good summer. Here's some of the news from my end of the world.
"Sounds From Scattered Pictures," a new photo show by yours truly,
will be up at Charlotte's own Dish Restaurant (Thomas Avenue, in the Plaza-Midwood
neighborhood) starting on September 15th. There'll be some new photos, and a
few old ones that I haven't exhibited before. There will be an opening night
reception at Dish sometime that week, more info on that soon. Apart from showing
a few photos at the Evening Muse in October (more on that soon, as well), this
will be my last Charlotte show for a while, so come out and check out the pics.
And yes, these photos will be for sale.
I have three photos in the new solo record by Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown,
which will be out soon. The new Sammy Walker record, out now on Ramseur Records,
also features photos from me. Check out Chatham County Line's site for a bunch
of new live pics of mine from May. I've also recently done photos with the likes
of Chris Stamey & Peter Holsapple (again!), Delta Moon, Bob Pollard (again!),
the Sammies, Bruce Hazel, and a host of others, and continued work with the
Charlotte Observer.
The Double Door Inn book is nearing completion, and will hopefully go to press
in September. If you would like to order a limited-edition version of the book,
please email me before the end of August. The book on North Carolina musicians
is also moving along, and I'll be able to tell you more about that soon, as
well.
Other cool events I've shot recently include the Swannanoa Gathering with Jean
Ritchie, John Cohen and others, Tom Petty with Steve Winwood, Jack Bruce, Eric
Burdon with Hilton Valentine, Turtles, Melanie, Joey Molland, Jonathan Edwards,
Zappa Plays Zappa, Whigs, legendary Irish singer Andy Irvine, Gil Scott-Heron,
Fleet Foxes, Islands, Thriving Ivory, and legendary Mad Magazine editor Al Feldstein.
Hope you're all doing well. Best wishes and take care,
-Daniel
August 20, 2008
I couldn't let one milestone go unmentioned. Today is the five-year anniversery
of the last time that I photographed Johnny Cash, in what became his final performance.
He didn't intend it to be his final performance, nor did I know it would be
the last time I saw him, but to paraphrase the great man, sometimes things just
happen that way.
While I consider myself very lucky to have photographed those shows, I'm struck
by how long ago those days seem now. So many friends from those days have gone
since then, and the world still doesn't seem right to me without them. I often
have to remind myself that those people are still with me, in my memories, in
my photos, and the experiences that are part of my life. And that's what I continue
to take with me.
So as you raise a glass or a guitar to Mr. Cash's memory today, take a moment
to think about your friends and loved ones, wherever they may be. The world
does not give you enough chances to stop, look around and smile.
Happy Independence Day, wherever you are.
-Daniel
July 5, 2008
How are you? Well, it's time for an update, and this one has got some big news.
I have signed with the prestigious Walnut St. Gallery in Colorado (www.walnutst.com),
home to several of my favorite music photographers, including Jay Blakesburg,
Ebet Roberts, Baron Wolman, and Paul Natkin. Always wanted to buy limited-edition
prints of my photos? Well, we've finally set it up. I look forward to working
with Laura and Walnut St. for a very long time, and to diving into the collector
market. I've been working on this deal for quite a while. I'll still be handling
all of my own business, and any questions you may have about photos, but go
over to www.walnutst.com
and check out my photos, if you get the chance.
On the North Carolina front, I'll be exhibiting at Femmefest at the Visulite
Theater in Charlotte on May 31st. I'll be exhibiting several photos of female
musicians, some never before seen, and all of my photos will be for sale. (Yes,
this will include that 16x20 of Emmylou Harris that some of you have asked about.)
On the book front, I am still working on two books. The book on the Double
Door Inn will have its closing night at (where else) the Double Door in Charlotte
on June 8th from 4 to 8pm. This is your last chance to get your stories in the
book, and have your picture taken by yours truly. Admission is free, so come
out, have fun and smile for my camera. I'm also continuing work on the NC musicians
book, and will be doing photos with the original members of the Red Clay Ramblers
this Thursday in Union Grove, NC.
Magazines! Yes, that's my 2002 photo of My Morning Jacket in the current cover
feature in Spin Magazine.
My thanks to Mark, and Don & Laurie for pointing that out to me. We've also
got a photo in the current issue of Acoustic Guitar Magazine. I also have a
photo of the Carolina Chocolate Drops in the current issue of American
Heritage Magazine, a magazine I'm actually a longtime fan of. We've also
been continuing work with the Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Magazine, the Intermix
clothing store (based in NYC, soon coming to Charlotte), DJ legend Chatty Hattie
Leeper, and several others.
CDs! I have photos in the forthcoming record by Sammy Walker, whose CD will
be released by Ramseur Records in July. I've also recently done work with the
Sammies, the Adulterers, Carolina Chocolate Drops, and a few others. And we've
been shooting lots of live shots shows recently, including Bruce Springsteen,
Radiohead, Josh Ritter, Ralph Stanley, Son Volt, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club,
Ministry, John Jourgenson, Sara Bareilles, and Steve Earle, among many others.
The new issue of the Big
Takeover Magazine, with my interviews and photos with Ray Davies, Band Of
Horses, and more is now on the shelves. Check it out and let me know how I did.
I hope that you're all doing well. Best wishes and take care,
-Daniel
May 21, 2008
I'm back from my sort-of secret gig. I got to see and photograph the Zombies'
Odessey & Oracle reunion shows in London, England last weekend. They were
simply amazing shows, and I really that you all could have been there. While
I was in London, I also got to photograph the Queen of England, Annie Lennox,
Abbey Road Studios (and yes, the crosswalk, too), and many other cool spots.
You'll see photos from all of this on my website soon.
Sad to say, I didn't make it down to SXSW this year, but I hope to be back
next year. Hope you're all doing well. More soon, and take care,
-Daniel
March 16, 2008
Zombies photo: l-r Colin Blunstone, Hugh Grundy, Chris White, Rod Argent, March
7, 2008
(Click photo thumbnail for a larger view)
copyright 2008 Daniel Costo
Wow, its March already. How'd that happen? It's been a busy time the past several
weeks. Continued work with the Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Magazine, and publications
in different magazines in Charleston, SC, and the Big Takeover in New York.
My work with the Takeover last month alone included an interview and photo shoot
with Band Of Horses in Birmingham, AL, and a phone interview with the legendary
Ray Davies. Yes, I'll be getting Ray's photos later in the year.
Chatham County Line's new album, IV, photographed by myself, is out today,
so go and check out one of the best records I've ever had the good fortune to
be involved with. I also got to work again with Chatham Co. last month when
the legendary Jonas Fjeld came in to visit from Norway. You'll see some of those
pics soon.
Other recent shoots include Morgan Kraft and the Enrichment Center Percussion
Ensemble (www.myspace.com/ecpe),
Ian Thomas, Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown, Spongetones (three photos in their
new album!), Raised by Wolves, Randy Fulp, and a fantastic in-the-studio session
with the Trutones, produced by Don Dixon, and featuring Charlotte's best musicians
playing live in the big room of Reflection Studios, just the way that records
used to be done. Some other recent cool shows that I've photographed include
Richard Thompson, Richie Havens, Don Dixon & Mitch Easter, Whigs, Justin
Townes Earle and several more.
While Zada's Jane restaurant in Charlotte is still in the process of hanging
my photos, I've been asked by the Light Factory of Charlotte to donate a photo
for their annual fall exhibition and auction this fall. On a different note,
I've been asked by Diane Lee (widow of Arthur Lee) to donate a photo of Arthur
to a tribute show that they're holding in Los Angeles this June.
I'm going to be busy the next several days on a project that you'll hear about
soon, so if you need to reach me, please email me at danielcoston@aol.com, or
leave me a message on my home phone, (704) 841-9371. I've give you an update
next week. Talk to you soon, and take care,
-Daniel
Happy New Year. Chatham County Line's new album, aptly entitled "IV,"
with photography from myself, will be out in early March. This is a fantastic
album, and my thanks again to the boys for bringing me on board with this great
album. This month also sees me working with Delta Moon, my old friends in The
Carson McCullers (a great band out of Chicago, and several other cities), and
working on some other things that I'll be able to tell you about soon.
The very cool new restaurant Zada Jane's, located on Central Avenue in Charlotte,
has given a home to several of my photos from my recent Levine Museum show.
These photos are also now for sale, so come by for great food, and buy a pretty
photo or two.
On a serious note, Drew Glackin of the Silos (with whom I've worked with in
the past) passed away on January 5th. Drew was a genuine joy to be around, and
the world is little more empty without him. On a more personal note, my brother-in-law
passed away last weekend. Jimmy had been fading away for some time, and while
one can never know why things happen the way they do, the good times that you
had with someone (be they friends, family, etc.) will never change, and that
is what you can always keep. Enjoy life, for the world moves too fast....
Love to all, best wishes and take care,
-Daniel
"Home
Of The Blues: 35 Years of the Double Door Inn," the eagerly awaited book
on Charlotte, NC's legendary Double Door Inn music venue, will have its world
premiere at the Double Door Inn on Friday, April 17th, 2009 at 5pm. Come down
to the Double Door at happy hour, and be one of the first to own the first-ever
book on his historic landmark. Authors Debby Wallace and Daniel Coston will
be on hand to sign copies, as will be several of the venue's longtime patrons
and employees.