Tom Hazeltine Photography
About
Where It All Started
Tom’s journey into live music didn’t begin with a camera—it began with a love for the experience itself. Nights spent in small clubs, packed venues, and everything in between sparked a connection to blues and jazz that only grew stronger over time. What started as simply being in the room eventually turned into documenting it, preserving moments that might have otherwise been lost. At some point in the mid-1980’s I realized that my musical heroes, guys like Big Walter Horton and Muddy waters were nearing the end of their lives. I began asking for autographs, right on the images that I had enlarged.
More Than Just a Photographer
I’m a very lucky man!
Holly Harris
Somewhere along the way I met up with Holly Harris and she invited me to come by her radio show (at WMFO, in Medford) to show her my images. She suggested that I connect with the Boston Blues Society to gain access to the photo pit. (Holly was a founding member). I joined the BBS, and then started attending meetings, which led to photo credentials at some of the bigger venues, namely Chicago Blues and San Francisco Blues festivals. I took on some reviewing assignments which gave me a byline… a first for me.
Mai Cramer
While listening to Mai Cramer on WGBH’s Blues After Hours I heard her put out the call looking for a new volunteer for every other Friday night. I called the station and left my name'/number. She called back and told me to come in the following week. That led to my ten year stint in the studio with Mai.
Teo Leyasmeyer
Lots of folks would call and ask to speak with Mai, and lots of those callers indicated that they knew Mai personally. On this particular night I got a call asking to speak to Mai. I asked who was calling and he told me to tell her it was Teo (Leyasmeyer). She told me to talk with him until she had a minute to pick up the call. Teo had just moved back to Boston to become the music buyer for the recently opened Original House of Blues in Harvard Square. I had no idea who Teo was but I remeber that we had a few laughs during our brief conversation.
A week or so later I was at Harper’s Ferry listening to Charlie Musselwhte. I had my camera, in fact I almost never went to a show without it. Charlie put down his harps and picked up an acoustic guitar. I don’t think I ever saw him play guitar before and was snapping away when I was approached by someone asking for a copy of the pictures if I got anything good. I agreed and asked for a business card. It was Teo! I told him that it was me, the guy in the studio with Mai. He gave me a big hug and that was the beginning of all my days making images at the Original HOB.
Ronnie Earl
I had met Ronnie Earl and his band one night (1989) at Scullers in Allston. He asked for a copy of some of the images I had asked him to autograph, and so I sent him a package. From that moment on our friendship blossomed to the point where I consider him one of my most dear friends. During a phone call in 2005 Ronnie asked if I’d be interested in being involved in the Broadcasters. I like to remind people that I can’t play an instrument, and I can’t even play the radio without people leaving the room! My responsibility would be to bring his amps to the show and put them on stage. My first show was at the Sit N Bull pub in Maynard, sometime in 2006. I hustled the two amps onto the stage (mid 1960s Fender Super Reverbs), but was unsure as to the proper placement. Luckily for me, Jim Mouradian was there. He asked who I was, and what was I doing? Told him that I’m working for Ronnie…. he told me some eight or so months later that collectively the band wondered how a guy with zero stage experience would be able to handle that responsibility…. I stayed in the end of 2016.
Jim Mouradian Dave Limina Lorne Entress
Jim Saley
Anthony Geraci/Sugar Ray and the Bluetones
Charlie Baty
Rick Estrin and the Nightcats
Capturing the Moment
Tom’s photography is rooted in authenticity. There’s no staging, no interruption—just real moments as they happen. Whether it’s an intimate set or a high-energy performance, each image reflects the emotion, movement, and personality of the artist on stage. Some images are polished, others remain raw, but all of them tell a story.
If you've been to a live music event, most specifically blues and jazz, then chances are our paths have crossed.
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Tom has spent decades immersed in the world of live music, capturing the energy, personality, and raw moments that define blues and jazz performances. With a camera always close by, he built a body of work that reflects not just the artists on stage, but the culture and community surrounding them.
From packed venues to late-night sets, Tom’s experience goes far beyond photography—he’s been part of the scene. His work is shaped by years of being in the room, understanding the rhythm of a live show, and knowing exactly when to capture the moment that matters.
Today, that experience comes together in a collection that highlights both iconic performers and rare, one-time encounters. Every image represents a genuine connection to the music and the people behind it—captured by someone who didn’t just witness it, but lived it.