Bob Willoughby is perhaps best known for his candid photographs of famous Hollywood actors, but before taking photos on film sets, he captured many images of jazz musicians.

Working in difficult lighting and crowded conditions, the images in Shutter and Sound: The Jazz Photography of Bob Willoughby are jazz improvisation made manifest.

This display will be at the Chandler Museum from April 6 to May 26.

The images from Willoughby, who passed away in 2009, give the viewer a sense of vibrant intimacy as he captured wistful singers, jamming musicians and enthusiastic audiences.

By 1950, jazz had migrated its unique sound from the streets of New Orleans to American cities from coast to coast. In the 1950s, one of the foremost jazz scenes was in Los Angeles.

Willoughby photographed jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck and Frank Sinatra, to name just a few.

The 50 images included in the exhibit reflect the dynamic jazz scene of the 1950s. As musician Dave Brubeck said, “Willoughby not only had a good eye, he had a keen ear, and seemed to know when to snap at an inspired moment.”

Whether visitors are seasoned jazz fans, newcomers wanting to learn more about the music scene, or photography enthusiasts, Shutter and Sound is as enduring as the music.

Shutter and Sound will be on view in conjunction with Jazz Appreciation Month and the Chandler Jazz Festival.

Related programs at the Chandler Museum include:

• Wednesday, April 10 and 24, 10:30-11:15 a.m.: Art Tots Musical Art program for 3-5-year-olds.

• Thursday, April 11, 5:30-7 p.m: Jazz on the Move Concert: Beth & Jazz Con Alma.

• Wednesday, May 1 & 15, 10:30-11:15 a.m. (C-Town Suitcase Club Jazz program for 3-5-year-olds).

The museum is located 300 S. Chandler Village Drive. It is open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. and closed on Mondays. Admission is free.

Find more information on the exhibitions and programming online at chandlermuseum.org or by calling 480-782-2717.

About ExhibitsUSA

This exhibition is toured by ExhibitsUSA, a national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance.

ExhibitsUSA sends dozens of exhibitions on tour to more than 100 small- and mid-sized communities every year. For more about ExhibitsUSA, email MoreArt@maaa.org or visit www.eusa.org.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic.  Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.  Jason W. Brooks can be reached at jbrooks@iniusa.org.