Raphael Wressnig - Playin' like a Rock star.

Story, interview and photo by Chris Koppers
Raphael Wressnig is a self-made organ player from Austria. He earned the British Columbia Music Award - best Blues album of the year 2009. Moreover, he also earned best critics from Concerto (Austrian magazine for Jazz/Blues). His sturdy organ, built in the 1970's, enables him to transmit his vision of music. Rapheal joined Larry Garner Blues band for several gigs worldwide.

Thomas Stelzer Trio feat. Katie Daniels - the ultimate combo

Story and photos by Chris Koppers

Thomas Stelzer has been playing music for over 30 years and he runs several projects like his Bloody Rhythm Fingers, The Gospel Passengers, The Burnes, and he Farmer's Breakfast Counrty Band. He combines the jaunty Southern Blues with the distinctive vibe of New Orleans. Born in Dresden, Germany, Thomas Stelzer's musical legacy traces back when he was about 12 years old. He worked with artists like Eddie Bo, Marcia Ball, Charlie Miller, Marc Adams and many, many others.

Sara Lorenz – Hone your ears for her subtle voice

Story and photo by Chris Koppers

Sara can be contemplated as the leading practitioner of emotional music. Her voice carries an exemplary form of music that dears your heart.  She released her new solo album that combines her craft with an appeal of a must-have.

Thanks Sara for allowing me to get an intimate view of your passionate labor.

I mainly used the Automat for this event. Ilford HP 5 plus, which was pushed to ISO 800.

Juergen Kerth – The Blues legend from East Germany

Story and photo by Chris Koppers

I had the honor to take some photographs of Juergen Kerth. He started playing in the early 1960’s. Historical moments like the abridgement of the German Democratic Republic paved his way to his new audience in the United States.  Juergen provides Blues at its best.  I would name his art as “a distinctive vibe of a guitar hero”.

I loaded my Flex with an Ilford Delta 3200.   

Brink Man Ship, Switzerland.

Story and photos by Chris Koppers

I contacted Jan Galega for a visual accompaniment for his 6^th album release “Instant Replay”.  I also met the other guys of Brink Man Ship, René, Emanuel, and Christoph. I commenced taking photographs for our gregarious jam session. It was fun galore.

Again, I ‘misused’ the Ilford HP 5 Plus and pushed it to ISO 1600. Shutter speeds were around 1/60 to 1/15 - all hand-held.  

It was a thrilling experience with splendid tunes. I would like to shoot them again.

Delta Moon

Story and photo by Chris Koppers

Tom Gray and his buddy Mark Johnson launched a show that exceeded the expectations of their devoted fans around the world. They took us hostage to center of the American South. This soaked in blues-infused earthy vibe penetrated our ears within seconds.  Black Cat Oil is the seventh album of Delta Moon.

Photo gear – get down to the nitty gritty for music-related shots

I normally use a Rolleiflex 3.5F type 3 with various films such as Ilford HP5 plus, some Deltas (400 & 3200), and Kodak T-Max 400.  For special occasions, I prefer to shoot with two Rolleiflex’s – 3.5F and Automat type 3 with the distinctive ‘flare factor’. Moreover, there is a designated camera for heavy studio labor: a Mamiya RB 67 Pro SD with numerous lenses (65, 75, 150 SF, 180, and 100-200mm lens).  I am not a BIG 35mm fan, but there is a Leica M4 with a 135mm f2.8 and a 35mm f3.5 ready for somewhat that a Rolleiflex might not be able to catch. Let’s say I am not able to shoot within my favorable shooting distance (2-4ft), the Leica is the tool to cover this distance.

                                       

Why analog cameras? A few reasons...

-          A purchase for a lifetime.
-          Easy handling, sturdy and dependable.
-          No attraction to thieves.
-          Nobody takes care of what you do.
-          Got no ‘professional’ appearance
-          No batteries needed.
-          Never-ending fun.