"For me it is about history, social documentary and reportage and photography for its own sake. Jazz dance pictures started it; at Dingwalls Club in the 80s. I had never heard jazz before without it in a sense frightening me. It seemed unfriendly. Until I met and heard Max Roach (one of the greatest drummers of all time) who helped me to make sense of it.   In time I discovered that photographing musicians is similar to photographing professional models, indeed if anything it is easier for musicians are already convinced of the need to be photographed for the sake of their own publicity. That connects too with my interest in portraiture, my fascination with faces. It is also an aspect of communication, which absorbs me.   The music will influence the way the pictures are taken   Musicians are usually interesting people. Before meeting my subject I listen to her/his music, for example the latest CD. The music will influence the way the pictures are taken and their location. I may also be working with designers, so there will be an exchange of ideas with them. Photographs on this page (left to right, descending): Max Roach, London 1989 - © copyright Peter Williams. Photograph of Jacqueline du Pré & Daniel Barenboim, is © copyright Clive Barda. All other photographs in this article are © copyright Peter Williams. The images used in this article may not be copied or reproduced without the express permission of the copyright holder.