FOREWORD

It is said that the eyes are the window to the soul. This is true for most mortals, whether in matters of love and reassurance, or business … or betrayal. But, when it comes to musicians, I would submit that it is our hands that are most-revealing of who we are as human beings and creative souls.

Photographer Marc Mennigmann understands this, and he has set about on a most ambitious project: capturing the essence of today’s leading array of improvising musicians by focusing – literally and poetically — on our most valued assets: our hands.

The concept is as brilliant and unique as it is simple … like all good ideas. But the undertaking is breath-taking in both size and scope. The list of musicians is as varied as it is definitive: a “who’s who” of artists who ply their trade, craft and art in more genres than any musical dictionary might list. “If music be the food of love” (Shakespeare), and if a picture is worth a thousand words, then herein lies a veritable feast of information and delight. Perhaps the simple word “art” makes for a better description.

This is a book to ponder, view repeatedly and cherish. This book provides a window into the soul of many of your favorite musicians, and will serve to introduce the reader to new names, new faces, new music … all by the means of new and old hands.

I am honored to be included.