Typography- The masthead from the cover is repeated on this page only smaller and now resembles a logo. The font is bold and fairly large, the lessening of size on this page suggests that it isn’t the sole focus and therefore not of great importance compared to the cover lines. The date is placed below in a small sans serif font as an afterthought almost. This is more a reminder and doesn’t have to be large as it is only glanced at. The largest writing on the page is the page numbers, they are in a serif font and they dominate the page making it very clear to read and demonstrates how important they are. The cover lines are in the boldest font and are also a serif font, this links them nicely to their respective page numbers but also as they are in bold shows that they are the main focus, they are what you want to read. The tag lines below including further information on the cover lines, this is in the smallest font and is a sans serif which gives the impression that this writing is very passive, it doesn’t jump out and demand attention as the cover lines do.
Layout- The masthead is in the top left corner of the page allowing it to be the first thing our eyes see as we naturally look this way first when reading. Therefore even though the masthead is smaller this time, due to its clever placement it is still the first thing we see. The rest of the writing then follows this downwards and is all placed on the left hand side. This gives an ordered and organized look and is placed well to not obstruct the figure in the main image. The main image covers the entire page dominating the attention of the reader and also reinforcing that this issue will revolve mainly around Herbie Hancock.
Colour- The fonts are all in black allowing them to be bold and striking and a good contrast against the peaches in the background. The background and colour of Hancock’s jacket blend and complement each other well creating a laid back and mellow ambiance. This atmosphere is typical of a jazz magazine as they aim to emulate the style of music they write about. The smooth yet warming feel of jazz gets translated onto this page with the warming beige/peaches are there but they are still pale enough to still be a calming influence. The neutral colour with a bit of the warmth of brown and the crisp, coolness of white. It is sometimes seen as dull and boring unless coupled with other colors. It can be a relaxing colour.
Images- The main image is a mid-shot of Hancock this simplistic choice of shot completes the very bare and minimalistic look of the page. This shows that the only thing the magazine cares about is the artist’s and their music, this allows all the focus to be on the artist and let them be themselves which is the attitude the Jazz scene tends to take. The mise-en-scene of the image depicts a laid back Hancock, the way he is posed with his arms crossed and leaning back with a slight smile shows a very relaxed and comfortable person. This gives the impression that he is confident in himself; the slightly raised eyebrow adds a cheeky quirk which makes the reader warm towards Hancock.
Mode of address- the way the magazine addresses it’s audience is in a rather sophisticated way, using words such as ‘Thou art’ in the title suggesting that the expected audience is cultured and has a well-educated range of vocabulary. This is again shown with the use of diverse. The way ‘Thou Art’ is used however also suggests that the magazine enjoys a clever twist of words to amuse its readers as it is included in the title ‘How Great Thou Art’.
Typography- The cover lines are written in a serif font making the writing look smart and refined due to their very straight look which suggests that the magazine likes to have a business like look, promoting a no nonsense atmosphere. The cover lines are also in large bold writing signifying their importance and allowing them to be clearly visible to the reader and draw their attention. The tag lines below the cover lines are in a much smaller writing suggesting that the additional information they have is unimportant compared to the rest of the page. They are merely there as an option for the more inquisitive reader and are rarely glanced at so therefore are in a much smaller sans serif font and not in bold so they do not distract from the cover lines.
Layout- The layout of the page is quite sparse but it is all ordered correctly and neatly suggesting again that this issue has taken on a quite business like feel. The logo/masthead is in the top left corner again which gives it prime spot on the route of eye. The main image is spread across the entire page which is done to show the importance of the artist depicted, by making the image the biggest thing it shows how ‘big’ and well known he is in the music scene. The cover lines and tag lines are placed in a box at the bottom of the page in the centre. This is an ideal place for them as they will be the last thing you look at and therefore the page numbers will still be fresh in your mind. Also placing them boxed sets them apart from the rest of the page making them stand out in a most subtle way than increasing size and still being able to keep the page organised and neat.
Colour- The colours on the page are quite rich and warm, so the font colour is white to allow it to stand out and be clear to the eye when put against all the other colours. It also makes the font stand out more as it contrasts with the darker background. The background of bricks is a dark yet warm brown which connotes a friendly, comforting atmosphere. The suit worn by John Pizzarelli is again a warm rich colour, the navy blue stripe initially gives the cover a professional feel but when placed with the background it changes to a more relaxed yet classy impression. The brightest and most eye catching colour on the page is the yellow and orange of the guitar which reminds the reader that this is a music magazine and therefore music holds the most importance, the bright and attractive colour of the guitar signifies this.
Images- The main image is a long shot allowing us to see all of Pizzarelli this best allows us to see his pose and gauge the full effect. The mise-en-scene of this image and the pose taken up by Pizzarelli shows us him almost lounging on the stairs which shows his comfort and makes him look at home and natural as he poses with his guitar. It also makes it seem as if h has merely just sat down with his guitar and someone has taken a picture without his knowledge, the aim is for the magazine to show that this is no posed but a naturalistic and laid back photo in a normal everyday environment, basic and stripped back like jazz music itself. The composition of the shot has the guitar almost dead centre which connotes its importance as it has everything else revolving around it. It is the centre of the page again signifying that the music is the most significant thing here.
Mode of address- the language used to address the audience is perhaps more refined than other magazines. ‘A conversation with…’ is used whereas in most music magazines ‘a chat with’ would have been used to create a fun, friendly atmosphere. However the aim of Jazziz is to get key information across and to educate their readers in the lives of the featured artists. Overall they take a more cultured approach with their audience.
Typography- The font for the cover lines is written in a serif font making the writing look smooth and polished due to the traditional look which suggests that the magazine likes to have a professional appearance. The boldness of the cover lines and their size compared to the rest of the font, this connotes their importance related to the other writing. They are the only piece of writing in bold which makes it eye catching and striking meaning this will draw the eye of the reader and the strong lettering will be easily viewable. The tag lines are much smaller and somewhat less easy to read which would mean they are merely there as a technicality.
Layout- The logo/ masthead is at the top left ensuring it will be the first thing seen on the page when following the route of sight. This is cleverly placed as the first and last thing you see are often the more prominent in the mind. The main image dominates the whole page connoting the importance of its subject. The cover lines and tag lines are placed in a box at the bottom left of the page in the centre, this is a good placement for the box as it again follows the route of eye well and also fits in nice and tidily next to the figure of Jamie Cullum without obstructing anything from view. Placing the cover and tag lines boxed allows them to stand out from the rest of the page making them eye catching in a subtle way.
Colour- The background is very pale and an almost white which gives the page a serene look, this also allows the focus to be on the figure of Cullum and the writing further as the colourless background ensures the cover lines and Cullum are prominent and become even more eye catching. The black of the font stands out and makes the writing even bolder, the black and boldness of the font creates a confident distinguished air which is again echoed by the black and white suit. The light blue used is calm and cooling colour which relates the calming tones of Cullum’s jazz. The blue is repeated to link several things; it is used in the logo, page numbers and Cullum’s shoes nicely linking the 3 key things on the page.
Images- The main image is a long shot of Cullum walking on cobblestones, the long shot allows the reader to see all of Cullum to fully interpret his pose and body language. The mise-en-scene of this image has Cullum walking with his hands in his pockets which suggests a laid back personality; this depicts him as the height of cool in his smart suit and relaxed posture. His cheeky character shines through with his mussed hair and brightly coloured shoes signifying his rebellious nature which mirrors his modern exciting style of jazz.
Mode of address- To match Cullum’s relaxed, cheeky and fun style the language used to address the reader in this issue is slightly more relaxed. Shortening the word phenomenon to ‘phenom’ brings forward the more casual informal style than usual, however there is still the use of ‘A conversation with’ re-enforces the refined and cultural air the magazine holds.
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