As a Partner and Design Director at a thriving studio, I tend to spend more time bringing in new business, dealing with clients or taking care of administrative duties more than actual design and production these days.
Par for the course I suppose, but I do miss getting into the thick of it on a more regular basis. So when our friend and client Cory Weeds, owner of Cellar Live Records, came to us with a jazz album design project, I scooped it before anyone else could claim lead.
The album is called A Night Remembered, featuring the trumpet stylings of Chris Davis. It’s a beautiful album and he’s a wonderful, soft-spoken, genuine jazz man. I began the project as we do most, by sitting down with the client to ask a bunch of questions.
I listened to his numerous answers as he told me the story of how the album came to be and why it was special. That story is actually recounted on the liner notes on the album and well worth the read. Of course I also listened intently to this collection of soulful jazz tunes seeking inspiration—and there was plenty to be found.
In the end, I asked him to summarize all we had discussed into one single sentence that would describe what he wanted the album design to express. What was the one message that would impart the special aspect of this particular album and serve as the creative brief guiding my design of the project. That sentence was:
When people listen to this album, I want them to experience a celebration
of raw, honest, musical joy—devoid of any deep symbolism or intimidating
jazz attitude—like I did when I played that special night.
While still influenced by some of the classic jazz album covers from Blue Note Records, I tried to capture elements of memory in a simple, informal layout design without it seeming too “jazz-like”. I hope my design adequately meets the challenge of that eloquently expressed brief and beautifully performed music. Thanks for the chance to work on this important project Cory and Chris. And thanks Steve Mynett for the terrific photography.
Chris Davis can be found on myspace.com and his newest album can be purchased online at cellarlive.com or in person at The Cellar Restaurant & Jazz Club in Vancouver, BC.