Cowboys & Indians Magazine features Johnny Cash
in their January 2004 edition.

2. Video footage edit for Johnny Cash Tribute show of Johnny and June recording
   'The Far Side Banks of Jordan' during the Press On sessions in 1998.
4. June Carter Cash_ video footage and photos for new
5. 'Keep On The Sunny Side' promotional video....

This is my first commissioned album project photographed for Anchor Records (London) in 1976!
Artist: Cado Belle
design: Seabrook, Graves and Aslet

My first LP was a Bobbie Gentry (EMI-UK) album
reproduced from a photograph taken in Manchester Square,
London, May 1968.

© Rex Features Ltd.

2814.51

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I Hope you had A GREAT CHRISTMAS

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Jason Ringenberg and Warner Hodges reformed the Scorchers to honour the late Jack Emerson, who died recently at 43 years old. This was a fantastic tribute concert and party, with the proceeds benefiting his widow and family. Other acts included: John Hiatt, Sonny Landreth, Steve Earle, Billy Joe Shaver, Webb Wilder, Tim Krekel

Emerson was a modern day creative pioneer who built an alternative independent music scene in Nashville and who's musical vision founded Praxis Recordings. The artist rosta includes: Jason and the Scorchers, the Georgia Satellites John Hiatt, Webb Wilder, Sonny Landreth, Steve Forbert.

NOVember 23rd_ Tony Joe White played a free private home tow n matinee concert at Leiper's Fork Antique Store.

NOVember 18th_ I am working on a new album project for country music artist, Troy Olsen. Shooting a documentary video film of the recording and making of the album and photographing and designing the CD packaging. This is an exciting new album with a creative soul and craftsmanship. The album has been recorded at Blackbird Studios, Nashville. Kid Rock dropped in on December 8th to add his vocal stamp.

NOVember 10th Johnny Cash Tribute TV show at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium brought out many friends, family and musical celebrities to celebrate Johnny's life and music.
The spirit, admiration and respect for John Cash was the reason we were all there.
Some highlights were: The Highwaymen revisited as, Hank Williams Jnr, Kris Kristofferson, Willie and George Jones. Hank Williams Jnr does a great Johnny impression, and teamed with Kid Rock, paid their respects with art and humour. Sheryl Crow is both stunningly beautiful and an accomplished musician, honouring June's spirit, she dueted on 'If I Was A Carpenter' with Willie.
Rosanne Cash gave a powerful and evocative performance, including she and her father's recording of 'September When It Comes' with a video family photo montage that is absolutely fantastic. [WATCH VIDEO]
As always Rosanne sets the tone with eloquence and grace, and John Carter is busily accepting awards on his father's behalf.

One of my photographs of Johnny was used in the stage set, and my video of 'The Far Side Banks of Jordan' was well received during Larry Gatlin's set.
(still photo shown below)

Johnny's rhythm section, Dave Roe (slap bass) and drummer WS 'Fluke' Holland get rhythm at the fan club party after the TV show in Nashville.

NOVember 8th_Steve Earle played a hometown gig at Nashville's Exit In. He is in great physical and musical form playing song after song with a tireless lean sound. Steve Earle is American music personified, intermingling his profound political and social views with some damn fine guitar playing. It is no wonder Johnny Cash loved this man.

NOVember 7th_Kris Kristofferson photo session at Al Bunetta's (Oh Boy Records) Tennessee horse farm.

Oct 25th_ I am very sad to learn of the death of Rosey Carter Adams.
My condolences to the family, this is really a tough time for her sisters and brother. Rosey had a great singing voice and was always fun loving.

The Carter Family: Helen, Carlene, June and Rosey
in happier times, Reno Nevada mid 80's

Oct 20th
Jack Clement tearing it up at The Country Music Hall Of Fame (Kenny Malone is on drums)

Oct 9th
Tony Joe White stomped out his swampy sound at BB King's Club
accompanied by the great 'Boom Boom' on drums

...........................................................................................

Oct 5th

Jimmy Vaughan treated Nashville to his brand of Texas blues at BB King's Club accompanied by the incomparable Lou Ann Barton on vocals.

Oct 4th

Peter Frampton rocked the Ryman in Nashville. He got a standing ovation for 'Show Me The Way' + 'Do You Feel Like We Do?'...He sang all the hits and of course wowed Nashville with his famous Talkbox. The mighty Chad Cromwell was on drums.

I first photographed Peter in 1968 with the Herd! © Rex Features Ltd.

BB King @ 78!

1. Nanci Griffith_ video coverage of recording session.
2. Also documented Nanci's 50th birthday party at her Nashville home. Guest singers included Sonny Curtis (Crickets), and Guy Clark.
3. Nanci and Sonny dueted on 'Walk Right Back' and 'It's So Easy'. Precious party moments!
5. Deborah Allen_photography and brochure design

Latest CD packages:

• Steve Earle_'Millennium Collection / MCA Nashville' (UMG) >photography
• June Carter Cash_ photo of Johnny and June Cash on 'Wildwood Flower'
• Stevie Ray Vaughan_photo on 'Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues' (Sony)
• Marshall Chapman _'Goodbye, Little Rock and Roller' (TallGirl) > design
• Bonepony Jubilee (indi label) >photography
• The Derailers Genuine (Sony Music ) >photography
• Tim Hinkley 'A Little Bit of Soul' >photography / design
• Wendy Webb 'Morning in New York' (indi label) >photography / design
• Rosie Flores 'Single Rose'_ photography/ design
• Johnny Cash re-released (2003) by UMG, with extended packaging:
• Mystery Of Life
• Water From The Wells of Home
• Boom Chicka Boom

I am compiling two other books of my photographs for future publication:

• 1] BBC TV's 'Old Grey Whistle Test' (the mid 70s)
• ....text by "Whispering" Bob Harris
• 2] 25 Years of NASHVILLE

>2003
is my 36th year as a professional photographer and my 26th year of living in Nashville.
Johnny Cash was one of the first artists I met and photographed in 1976.

I started shooting professionally on December 3rd 1967 when I joined Dezo Hoffmann's London Studio at the tender age of sixteen. I shot my first magazine cover within days.

This is one of my early photographs published in 1968 of The Small Faces posing on the roof of Immediate Records, New Oxford Street, London.

L-R: Ronnie "Plonk" Lane, Ian MacLagen, Kenny Jones, Steve Marriott

photography by Alan Messer 1968 © Rex Features Ltd.

Waylon 1976 Nashville, Tennessee

This is one of my first Nashville photographs.

................................................................................................

This website is growing and changing constantly. I am treating it like a magazine, one of my lifelong passions.

There will be featured artist pages to be added in 2004. Currently featured are: Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash and Lucinda Williams. Also, in part, my personal collection of photographs and images.

I am always taking new photographs and shooting video documentary. Have a happy and safe Christmas.

Please come back and visit again soon.

Alan _December 31 2003

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