JEFF FASANO

Behind the Photos

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON

Veteran photographer Jeff Fasano’s Kickstarter campaign ends in 4 days. He is set to publish his first fine-art book: AMERICANA PORTRAIT SESSIONS.

You can be a part of this groundbreaking, comprehensive view of Americana music and its history. For a $100 pledge, you can choose to get an autographed copy of his book and a choice of a signed B&W Silver Gelatin Print (one of six B&W photos). There are also options for one of three Color Fine Art Pigment Photo Prints. Today, we feature the back story of one of the prints.

Kris Kristofferson

We talked with Jeff Fasano about his portrait of KRIS KRISTOFFERSON:

This photo was shot at the Beatles night at the Gibson Showroom in Beverly Hills. Their PR called Merlin, who called me. The shoot was arranged so fast that I didn’t really know what it was all about. I remember walking in there and looking around and saw all these photos of the Beatles that nobody had ever seen. It was a big exhibition. It was impressive. I walked in the back and saw someone I know, guitarist Earl Slick, one of rock’s most celebrated sidemen—playing for David Bowie and John Lennon. Then as someone I didn’t recognize walked by Earl said, “Hey Robby, this is my friend Jeff. We grew up together on Staten Island. You need to meet my friend Jeff Fasano. Hey Jeff, this is Robby Krieger.” I couldn’t believe I was meeting the Doors’ guitarist.

This was an exhibit of Beatles photo images that their road manager had taken and no one had ever seen. This was part of a worldwide tour of these exclusive images. What was hanging in the Gibson Showroom was just a small portion of the images. And the way they got these images was through his son.

Then I walked in the back where all the offices were located and I heard a lot of people in one room. I walked in and saw Brian Wilson, Kris Kristofferson, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell from the band America. I heard someone say, “Jeff Fasano!” and I turned and it was Laura Savini who called out to me. Jimmy Webb was standing next to her and I knew them because Judy Collins had introduced them to me long ago. They could tell I was still in awe about seeing Brian and Kris and all these amazing musicians. I turned around and saw all these people and took some photographs. Then Jimmy said “Hey! What about me?” We laughed and I said “I’ve known you for years.” But it’s Jimmy Webb—Grammy winner and Hall of Fame songwriter. I was overwhelmed with so many legends in one room.

I remember Kris Kristofferson walked over and he heard me talking while we all were laughing. He and I immediately connected. I said, “There’s Brian Wilson.” And Kris walked me over and introduced me to Brian. I thought—how cool is this!

I was in a room with the greatest stars in the music world. Brian Wilson and Kris Kristofferson in the same room together! I told them that I was here to take some photos. I asked Brian if we could get some group shots with everyone. I didn’t ask him for a photo by himself and I probably should have. But I know his history and I wanted to make him feel comfortable. I’ve been doing this a long time, and I know when to ask for a photograph by themselves. And even though Kris wasn’t there at that moment, I got a group shot with the rest of them in about two minutes.

All the musicians dispersed and they were walking around. I could hear a guy playing, singing and warming up—and it sounded amazing. It was Kris Kristofferson. He smiled and I asked if I could take some shots. He said, “Yeah. Go ahead.” As I was shooting him, his wife, this beautiful woman turned and looked. He saw her and he smiled. And that’s the shot I got. I was in the room with all those legends. I realize that we all hung out together that night. I pinch myself when I talk about all these wonderful moments.

To pledge your support for Jeff Fasano’s book AMERICANA PORTRAIT SESSIONS, you can now pre-order this first comprehensive photography book of the Artists of Americana Music via his Kickstarter project. Many of these portraits were photographed at AmericanaFest in Nashville.

Here’s the link to order the book and see the project:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fasano/jeff-fasano-americana-portrait-sessions?ref=nav_search&result=project&term=jeff%20fasano

For every generation, a photographer emerges who captures the essence of the soul of the music that defines that generation. Jeff Fasano’s indelible images of the Americana music format have become part of the fabric of this amalgam of music that includes the best of storytellers whose music emotionally moves the listener—and transcends the life we live.

Jeff Fasano’s unparalleled access to stars like Sheryl Crow, Judy Collins & Stephen Stills, John Oates, The Avett Brothers, Jason Isbell, Rhiannon Giddens, Vince Gill, Keb’ Mo’, Lucinda Williams, Margo Price, Jewel, The McCrary Sisters and Kris Kristofferson gives it the kind of authority that comes from vast experience. It’s a book of intimate portraits that reveals the strength, heart, soul and musical genius of these great artists.

Jeff Fasano’s AMERICANA PORTRAIT SESSIONS is his visual essay of the stories of their life—capturing unforgettable moments of their musical journey. Watch these unrivaled photographs as they light your soul, listen to your heart reflect their treasured experiences and let them transcend your boundaries as you simply enjoy the ride.

www.JeffFasano.com
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fasano/jeff-fasano-americana-portrait-sessions?ref=nav_search&result=project&term=jeff%20fasano