Blue Note / Francis Wolff

The genius of Blue Note and the combination of Reid Miles’ design and Francis Wolff’s photography are pretty much a given. I’d be rather surprised if the above cover with its relatively uninspiring typography and layout was done by Miles, but the photograph is unmistakable Wolff. The idea of a symphony for improvisers was surely a vanguard concept in 1966. Thus, the image conveys the grey regimentation of both the past and the traditional symphony orchestra embodied by the uniform stone collonade at Cherry’s back, while in the foreground stands the innovator looking into the distant but still blinding sun, his form all curves and colourful clothing. Message conveyed, beautifully.