Mississippi Gulf Coast photographer Ken Murphy stopped in late Wednesday to deliver copies of his new photography book Mississippi: State of Blues. Not your typical self-publisher, Ken likes to deliver his fine collections in person. As soon as they arrive off the boat from the overseas printer, he loads them in a van and rolls up the state, stopping and visiting booksellers along the way, showing off his handsome wares like a true craftsman.
State of Blues is Ken's third book, behind My Gulf Coast Home, a time-capsule keepsake of the Coast as it existed right before Katrina, and Mississippi, the popular, multi-covered collection of crisp photos from every nook and cranny of the state. Ken's high-def style, showcasing familiar Mississippi scenery in grand panoramas that crackle with color and detail, make his books highly sought collectibles. Those characteristics are present in the new book, along with a new sampling of portraiture, from performance shots of musicians like B.B. King and Bobby Rush in action, to great crowd shots and off-stage moments, such as T-Model Ford posing with his family.
With text by Scott Barretta, the fun-time blues scholar and host of Mississippi Public Radio's Highway 61, State of Blues is a unique snapshot of the Mississippi Blues as it exists today. Anyone who's ever made a blues pilgrimage to the state in recent years, or anyone who has dreamed of such a trip, will find exactly what they're looking for in these pages. The book is filled with images of thriving clubs, festivals, studios and musicians, many of them obscure beyond our state lines, along with holy sites and Ken's quintessential quiet landscapes. Together, they provide an accurate and compelling overview of how the blues still thrives in Mississippi.
We always look forward to Ken's visit, not only to get our hands on his latest book, but also to catch up and trade some good gripes about the state of political affairs. Ken has an interesting perspective on all matters. We've been especially intrigued by his innovative ideas regarding public policy and transportation (ask him about his Maglev train idea that would tie residents of Mississippi closer together), the kind of rational, innovative, ground-level ideas that government seems to be ignoring these days, as evidenced by the rancor in national and local politics. For a country overwhelmed by internal problems and evolving complexities, our leaders seem disinterested in anything more than appearing on TV, recycling the same petty grievances, and ratcheting up the gridlock. Too bad more ideas like Ken's aren't considered by our state and national leaders.
If you want an immediate dose of Ken's perspective, visit some samples from Mississippi: State of Blues at his website, and order a signed copy at our website. We'll host a signing and party for the book with Ken and Scott at Turnrow on Black Friday, November 26.
