RIP Bob Florence (updated with Ingrid Jensen's reminiscence)

More info at All About Jazz and the Ventura County Star.

I knew him only slightly -- although I met him once at IAJE, our interactions were mostly via email -- but I was deeply impressed and flattered that he took such intense interest in what "the kids" were writing these days.

UPDATE: Ingrid Jensen writes in from Alaska:

Bob and I met a few minutes before we were to play on a faculty presents concert at the Port Townsend Jazz workshop, five years ago this summer. Alan Jones (drummer- Portland) and I were both curious and admittedly skeptical as to how the hit would go as we were both A) embarrassingly unaware of Bob's depth and legacy and B) wanting to hit hard and go "places."

Alan and I started in duo, rather ripping tempo-wise, as Bob and the bass player (Chuck Deardorf) hung out while we spun our little ego-wank for a minute or five. I played the head to cue things and when Bob came in on the B with, what is now famously referred to as the "chord of doom," we all about fell off the stage! He basically played the entire bridge of "Alone Together" with one massive sound that just about brought the roof down.

The rest is history and both Bob and his incredible wife, Evie became part of the beautiful family circle that I am so fortunate to be involved in.

When Jon and I married, Bob and Evie accepted our invitation and came all the way to Nanaimo to party with us.

Bob wrote this very sweet song (click to listen, right/ctrl-click to download) that he played during the service, a piece he presented to us the next day at the gift opening, written by hand in very large and perfectly executed calligraphy.

What a darling man and musician! One of my all-time favorite pianists ever, and an absolute joy to share the stage with.

With sadness and gratitude,

- Ingrid Jensen

Reactions from around Blogdonia:

jazz@centrum
Larry's Improv Page
Bish's Beat

Comments

[DJA]

1.

I have been asked to post the following comment, written by Anthony J. Agostinelli:

Bob Florence who died today was unique among composers, arrangers and players. He was one who could reach into one's soul to find those areas which would respond nobly to his music. He touched me -- even during his clinics when he evoked from musicians and students alike, a sharpened response to their own talents -- he would spring lose from innermost places of those who were present with him. A New Jersey friend adored him -- sent him packages of Italian food from Hoboken...another friend would swear by his every musical offering saying, 'no one, but no one, does anything like that!' I would sit in awe as he quietly and solemnly would wend his way through some music...he was in his own musical world, yet sensitive to those around him, giving them what they needed to soar -- often beyond where they had ever been before. Bob Florence did that to us -- as few others in our lifetime can or will.

I remember an occasion, when he snuck up on ARTISTRY IN RHYTHM at one of his performances...he unleashed such emotion within me that I cried unabashedly.

Bob Florence, I will miss your being present among us...God will enjoy your presence with Him.

May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

[cbj smith]

2.

Like you, Darcy, I knew him through our email communications (and through his charts and recordings, of course) but never actually even heard his voice, but I won't miss him any the less for that. Ingrid and Anthony, those were beautiful words. Thank you.