I've always stated that if I could live in any two eras, they would either be the Renaissance or 70's London. And then, of course, a friend passes me a few images from legendary jazz photographer Herb Snitzer and I begin to question my original two destinations altogether. Between 1957 and 1964, jazz had it's own unique renaissance in New York. Gone were the large halls and dancing. Instead, small Sistine's like the Village Gate flourished (see above) as people packed to witness names like Gallespie, Davis, Coltrane, Simone and Monk paint the smokey rooms with cross-rhythmic masterpieces of unflinching style and unmistakable cool.
