March 17, 2021
March 17, 2021
This tribute is from Esther Korin who knew Forbes from the History of Jazz class led by Ed Conaway given at the Annapolis Senior Center. Thank you Esther!
*****
Background: The “Back Row Bunch” is a most endearing group of guys who over the years had mastered the art of looking innocent while enjoying a bit of clever trouble making. Usually something about the music or the lyrics led to a kind of intentional, under the breath comment which then led to a series of comments by each of them. They loved it and so did we.
*****
The Magic of Jazz
Look at us. Come closer.....closer. What do you see? Do you see Us? The whole, beautiful microcosm of what could be....should be and is our Jazz family. Don’t turn away. Enter freely into the world of music where we are truly “Us.”
You will see Us as a group. In harmony with the music and each other. The music envelopes you. Protects you. Encourages the dreamer as it penetrates your mind and heart. It brings peaceful reflection often interrupted by discordant sounds.
It is in this bubble, surrounded by the familiar sounds of Master musicians, that you sense a piercing stirring that overtakes your mind and body. The movement is not to be controlled. It forges friendships and creates a bond that is unbreakable.. Not even a pandemic could weaken this group of Jazz lovers. Not even death can break the power of “Us.”
Two of us are taken away. They were the prime instigators of the “Back Row Bunch.” They were the source of good natured mischief on the one hand and a treasure of knowledge of the history of Jazz on the other. The back Row will change in appearance but never in spirit.
Oh, Art and Forbes, know that we will not forget what you have taught us about the Magic of Jazz. We will miss you. We will be forever grateful for the time spent with you. We will shout out to all the World......look at US....learn from US....become US.
Note: Forbes taught the History of Jazz at the Annapolis Community College.
*****
Background: The “Back Row Bunch” is a most endearing group of guys who over the years had mastered the art of looking innocent while enjoying a bit of clever trouble making. Usually something about the music or the lyrics led to a kind of intentional, under the breath comment which then led to a series of comments by each of them. They loved it and so did we.
*****
The Magic of Jazz
Look at us. Come closer.....closer. What do you see? Do you see Us? The whole, beautiful microcosm of what could be....should be and is our Jazz family. Don’t turn away. Enter freely into the world of music where we are truly “Us.”
You will see Us as a group. In harmony with the music and each other. The music envelopes you. Protects you. Encourages the dreamer as it penetrates your mind and heart. It brings peaceful reflection often interrupted by discordant sounds.
It is in this bubble, surrounded by the familiar sounds of Master musicians, that you sense a piercing stirring that overtakes your mind and body. The movement is not to be controlled. It forges friendships and creates a bond that is unbreakable.. Not even a pandemic could weaken this group of Jazz lovers. Not even death can break the power of “Us.”
Two of us are taken away. They were the prime instigators of the “Back Row Bunch.” They were the source of good natured mischief on the one hand and a treasure of knowledge of the history of Jazz on the other. The back Row will change in appearance but never in spirit.
Oh, Art and Forbes, know that we will not forget what you have taught us about the Magic of Jazz. We will miss you. We will be forever grateful for the time spent with you. We will shout out to all the World......look at US....learn from US....become US.
Note: Forbes taught the History of Jazz at the Annapolis Community College.