Miles Davis captured by Leigh Wiener in 1961 on the night that the Miles Davis Quintet performed at The Black Hawk nightclub in San Francisco. Images from this evening were later used as advertisements and on an album cover for the performance's recorded release.
Wiener recalls the night the photo was taken: "'No lights, mister. No lights! Hear that? I don't like light in my eyes when I work." Without waiting for a response, Miles Davis turned, walked between some curtains, and disappeared somewhere backstage leaving me standing alone in the almost deserted Black Hawk nightclub. It was three hours before showtime.
Now the house was packed and some were still clapping as Davis finished his first set, left the stage, and headed for the bar. His eyes caught mine and he nodded with his head for me to join him.
'You take pictures of me?' 'Yes,' I answered. 'Without lights?' 'Did you see any?' I asked back. Davis took a sip of his drink. Without looking at me he said softly, 'Will they turn out?' 'When you blow that thing,' I answered, 'does noise come out?' Davis turned and looked right at me. He almost smiled. 'What are ya drinking?' he asked."
Release Notes:
This photograph is available as a vintage, signed photograph. It may also be available as a limited edition estate photograph. Please see below for more details on these different versions.
Leigh Wiener Signed Photographs:
Leigh Wiener began printing a substantial archive of beautiful silver gelatin photographs for exhibition and sale beginning in the 1980s. These were typically signed and numbered as limited editions. Those that remained unsold at the time of his death have been meticulously conserved in an archival environment by his son who manages his estate.
These vintage photographs were typically produced in two sizes: 11" x 14" and 16" x 20", and were planned as editions of 50 or 100, but most often, only a handful were ever completed. The total quantity printed of each photograph varies. Details and prices are available on request.
Leigh Wiener Estate Photographs:
Estate photographs are released in a single edition of 20 pieces and are available in a range of sizes including 16" x 20", 20" x 24", and 30" x 40" (and larger if possible/on request).
Prices start at $2,000 and are quoted on an individual basis. The current price will depend on how many of that particular image have sold, and the size you want. Please use the "REQUEST PRICE" button below to contact us for details today! (and if you have a size preference please let us know in the comment field).
Collector's Note:
Leigh Wiener Estate Photographs are museum-quality limited edition artworks. Each photograph is printed to order in Los Angeles and will be hand-numbered and estate-stamped by Devik Wiener, Leigh's son, and the executor of the Leigh Wiener Estate.
Buyers will receive a certificate of authenticity following delivery. Please contact us with any questions!
Sheet Size varies
Estate-Authorized, Limited edition (20)
Archival Pigment Print Photograph