A new life is coming

PHOTOS: FUNAKI

This is a rare post for me. Most of you know the type of work I do by now. These pics are something a bit different. This is my wife and daughter. I wanted to show a motherly glow to these images and hope to catch the serenity and how beautiful my wife looks expecting our daughter. I don't do these types of photos very often, but it was nice to get out of my comfort zone and capture this moment.

Blast from the past. The self portrait sessions..1995

Here is an oldie from the archives. These are some self portraits I did of myself back in 1995 maybe early 1996.This was a weird time for me as I was coming into being a full adult and I was having a hard time accepting it. I was lucky to have been listening to alot of jazz music at that time to keep me sane. This picture is also a breaking point as to what was to come in my life. Those were some turbulent years that taught me some good lessons that no degree or university classroom could ever teach. Truly the school of hard knocks.

BOXER

PHOTO: FUNAKI

Here is a blast from the past. I took this picture of Boxer back in 2002. Boxer was able to get me access into some crazy places you can't just walk in and start taking pictures. Boxer was cool as hell and always wanted me to get the shots I needed. He passed away today and he'll be missed. RIP brother. Thank you!!

Fools For Jesus

PHOTO: FUNAKI

I was doing some photos when I spotted this bus parked with the sign that said Fools For Jesus. It looked like a traveling bus for a band or something. I liked it, if you going to be acting a fool it might as well be for Jesus!!

Live Jazz, The Kenny Dennis Trio

PHOTOS: FUNAKI

Legendary drummer Kenny Dennis has recorded and traveled the world with a Who's who of jazz greats. From vocalist Nancy Wilso, Lena Horne and Billie Holiday to Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and Bill Evans. Dennis has been a part of the jazz scene for over 50 years.

The good homie Copper Red

PHOTOS: FUNAKI

I hung out with the good homie Copper Red last week the self proclaimed "King of the HoBo's"and we had a real good chat about Old Los Angeles. I was shooting over at the Old City jail and he told me how all his old friends used to get in trouble on purpose when it was cold so they could kick it inside and stay warm. We talked about L.A, Jazz, art and some of the other L.A. photographers wo have taken his portrait. It was a good afternoon.

Sugar and Spice Fashion/ Art show

The Sugar and Spice show last night was off the hook. Well over 1000 people showed up to the event. The place was wall to wall packed with people having a great time. The homies Onwon and Bodega Man came through and supported the event and many others came out to check out the artwork. I showed 11 prints from my Street portrait archive with some new images displayed for the first time and some oldies and fan favorites as well. Thank you for all those that came out and I'll see you at the next show.

Sugar and Spice tomorrow night. Come on through

I will be part of 1981 collections fashion/art show tomorrow night in the downtown arts district. I have 11 prints up for exhibit and they all are for sale. Come through and have a good time and support the arts. www.1981collection.com

Take it in Blood available at all digital download sites

PHOTO: FUNAKI

I had the honor of doing the album artwork for the L.A. MC Mykill Miers album Take it in Blood. MM is considered a legend in the underground hip hop scene and his album "It's been a long time coming" is considered and underground classic. Let me tell you the Mykill Miers continues to perform all over the world and this album is amazing. Its available at all major digital downloads. Check out www.mykillmiers.com

MYKILL MIERS x FUNAKI x SF Show

PHOTO: FUNAKI

The Legendary Underground Los Angeles MC will be performing in the Bay Area this week. If you are in the area don't miss out. My picture from our sessions is on the event flyer circulating all over Nor Cal.

No restrictions, no audience and full access. JAZZ

PHOTOS: FUNAKI

I met Billy while I was leaving my office a few days ago. I heard an amazing sound that immediately caught my ear, but I could not see where it was coming from. It wasn't a sound from a car stereo because I can recognize the sound of live instrument quickly. Then there he was, alone on the corner playing "Misty" and like if guided by spirits I gravitated to the music. People passed him by and I even saw one lady covering her ears. It saddened me to see such talent playing for any spare change a person would throw into his cup, but then I thought, Jazz isn't played in stadiums nor is it for people who buy Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber Albums. Jazz is played in small, dingy low light clubs and on street corners for those who prefer a more pure form of music. Then I realized I was at the right place at the right time. On a corner, just Billy and I and that trumpet blaring into the sky. No managers, no PR people and no audience. Full access, intmate and real. Downright Ruthless Street Photography. Long live america's indigenous art form. Long live Jazz

Sugar and Spice show May 14, 2010

PHOTO: FUNAKI

My street portraits will be on display at The Sugar and Spice show in Los Angeles on May 14, 2010. Come on through and support the arts. All images are framed, signed and for sale.

www.1981collection.com

www.funakiphoto.com

Anat Cohen Live @ Catalina's Jazz club

PHOTOS: FUNAKI

A few months back I was listening to one of my favorite jazz stations here in L.A. (88.1 KJAZZ) and I heard an amazing clarinet/Sax player named Anat Cohen. I was instantly a fan. When I heard she would be in town I had t get some pictures of her performance. She and her quintet did not let me down. I live for live Jazz and I had to bring my wife along and it was a great time. Anytime I photograph jazz musicians I am inspired by photographer Roberto Polillo and his amazing images from the 60's. I hope to capture that same essence in mine. If you love jazz check out Anat Cohen at www.anatcohen.com