Cover Art

On the Cover | Mar. 31, 2011

learn about this issue's cover art by Charles Davis

“Be Bop Jam” by Charles Davis
(pen, marker, and watercolor on paper, 11” x 17”)

John Houseman
 
Charles Davis
photo by Elizabeth Lindner
“The work Be Bop Jam portrays a typical jazz group of the 1940s when combos of four to six players began to spin off large, orchestral dance bands. ‘Be Bop’ emerged as a style all its own, emphasizing improvisation and allowing for more solo opportunities for each individual player. Attributed in large part to virtuosos like trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, alto saxophonist Charlie Parker, pianist Thelonius Monk and others, ‘Be Bop’ references the accented melodic lines of the music and was named after the ‘scat singing’ of nonsense vocal syllables used in smaller ensemble groups.” – The Artist

 

What we were thinking: “This issue cycle's cover features a pen and colored marker piece titled Be Bop Jam. We chose to use this piece by Charles Davis because the portrayal of jazz musicians tie right into the kick off of the Eau Claire Jazz Festival. Along with the jazz theme, Be Bop Jam has been tediously executed with brilliant colors and line work as well as an oblique view that takes the reader up the neck of the saxaphone and into the heart of the stage.” – V1 Designer Josh Smeltzer

Volume One finds its cover art in a number of ways, from local art shows to random emails to knowing someone who knows someone who knows a great artist. The art always originates from a current or former Chippewa Valley resident. If you'd like to submit cover art, send us a letter.