Alan Bateman asked me to feature his portrait of John Bennett on Jazz&Jazz and I am only too pleased to add it to his other portraits featured in the Jazz Art & Film Collection. Alan explains below how and why he was commissioned to paint the portrait by John’s wife, Ann.
Peter M Butler
Editor & Proprietor Jazz&Jazz
“It was a privilege to be asked to produce this painting to commemorate the much loved and respected Jazz trombonist John Bennett’s 80th birthday.
“During a recent gig at the Stables, Wavendon, John’s wife Ann passed me an old black & white photo of John in his early playing days. Artists often convert colour images to Black and White to assist in getting the correct tonal values throughout their paintings, and I have completed many portraits from good quality black & white photos, which in some cases are the only record available as a reference.
“I’m sure you will all join with me in wishing John a very happy birthday and congratulating him on a job well done during some 60 years on the road, entertaining audiences all over the world, mainly with the great Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen”.
Alan Bateman