“The Jazz Dive” – the art of Allen Mezquida

December 18th, 2024

Portrait of Ray Charles, by Allen Mezquida

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….Finding interesting (and new) art celebrating jazz isn’t always easy. So, when I discovered a new website filled with creative and unique portraits of jazz musicians from Miles and Coltrane to Monk and Bill Evans (and many in between) I felt the urge to pass it along.

….The art is the brainchild of the saxophonist Allen Mezquida, who, according to his website, The Jazz Dive, “channels his passion for design, drawing, and animation into creating the portraits of players he continues to be inspired by.” He is also the creator of the animated character (and alter ego?) Smigly, who is featured in short films dedicated to his love for the music.

….Described as “an independent art studio at the intersection of jazz and mid-century modern design,” The Jazz Dive is inspired by the counterculture music from the 1950s and 60s, and creates art “that resonates with both eyes and ears.”

…..Mezquida’s art itself draws from his career as a musician, having played with the likes of Gerry Mulligan, Brad Mehldau and Bill Charlap. He creates with multiple sources, including photographs and archival videos, with each portrait and album cover design crafted through numerous pencil-and-paper sketches. You’ll find wonderful pieces like a profile of Joe Henderson in blue, John Coltrane leading his quartet, and a joyous Ray Charles in stage lights. In addition to these legendary figures, you’ll also discover portraits of musicians you don’t ordinarily find artists devote energy to, i.e; Hank Mobley, Sonny Rollins, Freddie Hubbard, Jackie McLean, Ron Carter and Cannonball Adderley among them.

…..The work stands apart in its style, and is worth a look. A few examples of it are pictured below.

…..I invite you to click here to pay a visit to The Jazz Dive for more complete information, and to view Mezquida’s entire current collection.

Joe Maita

Editor/Publisher

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