Seattle's Jackson Street jazz clubs flourished in the first half of the twentieth century, with their popularity peaking in the late 1930s through early 1950s. Seattle-born photographer Al Smith was a familiar figure in the clubs, often taking pictures of musicians and patrons, then returning the following week to sell prints.

On this occasion, Smith photographed a comfortably seated club patron wearing a felt hat and double-breasted coat. While the man has not been identified, the club is the Black and Tan, located on 12th Avenue South, just south of Jackson Street.

Heading on neg sleeve: 2/4/45 Black & Tan // Slip with neg: Richard Grandson, 5082 Main