tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309645277676051139.post132402576063475739..comments2023-11-03T05:22:47.067-04:00Comments on John & Mary Jane: Collecting and Collecting...Mary Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971483973179444644noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309645277676051139.post-53925640044249982202010-04-01T16:48:53.651-04:002010-04-01T16:48:53.651-04:00Jim Kinnear - One of the founders of The Ragtime S...Jim Kinnear - One of the founders of The Ragtime Society, originally published from King, Ontario, Canada, passed away this March.<br />Introduced to this wonderful music genre by Bob Darch, Eubie Blake, and others, Jim Kinnear spent years promoting ragtime, and researching obscure compositions. Long before the advent of the Internet made sharing information available, he and a few dedicated friends, John Fisher and Idamay MacInnes, created the Ragtime Society, " Dedicated to the Preservation of Classic Ragtime". in 1962, with the support of Bob Darch.<br />The 'Ragtimer' was written, printed, and mailed out from our home in King township for years, with members all over the world. I have memories of collating the yellow sheets from stacks spread around the living room ( no worries about child labour ).<br />The first several Ragtime Society Bashes were held in our home, with our family room being transformed into the Red Carpet Saloon, Temperanceville. John wowed the assembled fans with his skill and knowledge. Known back then as 'Johnny Arpin', it was a priveledge to have met him, and over the years I heard him in many other venues, and situations . . loved his treatment and respect for ragtime . . he'll be missed.<br /> <br />regards<br /> <br />Jim Kinnear (jr)<br /> <br /><i>KINNEAR – James (Jim) Gordon, Suddenly at the P.R.H.C. on March 7, 2010 at the age of 85 years. Beloved husband of Lois Marion (Woolner). Dear father of Jim Jr (Felicity) of Nottawa, Bob (Maggie) of Nelson BC.</i>Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14750103118084030192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309645277676051139.post-27424639288769822032007-11-13T21:37:00.000-05:002007-11-13T21:37:00.000-05:00Dear Mary Jane,I was so sorry to hear about John's...Dear Mary Jane,<BR/><BR/>I was so sorry to hear about John's passing. Knowing John was a wonderful association, with lots of memories. I first heard his name when a radio station played “Go My Way”. I later went to see him playing at the Windsor Arms Hotel in Toronto, where I met Bill McCrostie and Betty Miquelon of the Toronto Ragtime Society. They told me about a mini-bash coming up, and I took with me a friend from Iceland, and his father-in-law from England, and they both played. I soon became an active member of the Toronto Ragtime Society for many years. I talked to John at many places he played in Toronto Hotels, McMichaels Gallery, and the last time was at the outdoor concert in Peterborough several years ago.Norm Barkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15538641218653963897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309645277676051139.post-58702084364743024022007-11-08T17:03:00.000-05:002007-11-08T17:03:00.000-05:00Greetings to John and Mary Jane.I put this comment...Greetings to John and Mary Jane.<BR/><BR/>I put this comment in an earlier post, but realized the current post would have made more sense for currency, so am echoing it here since I want to be sure John gets wind of it, and hopefully it will bring a smile and a remembrance.<BR/>=================<BR/><BR/>John, I first met you in 1991 up in Toronto at the final Bash with Glenn Jenks, and the two of you were kind enough to invite me to perform in your evening concert, which I long appreciated. Since that time I have steadily increased my involvement in ragtime, but it's been hard to make my passion for it any more than it already is, given how strong it is. I also taped that seminar you and Glenn gave, and used elements of it in both my performances (Pastimes to Anoma, etc.) and the many seminars I have done since.<BR/><BR/>We last met at Sedalia two years ago and you were again very kind to me and immediately acknowledged what I had done before and since. Thank you for that.<BR/><BR/>So I wanted you to be aware of both significant and subliminal impacts you have had on us musician types in both your personal contacts and your considerable recordings, one of my favorites being the four hand album with Catherine Wilson. I also offer personal thanks for taking one of my early charges who I got started on ragtime, Adam Swanson, and gave him some great opportunities that have advanced him, at fifteen, into a considerable player. He will represent the legacy of Arpin, Maddox, B. Campbell, and maybe even (if I'm so lucky) Edwards as he goes through life.<BR/><BR/>It has been a privilege always to be able to share this field with such a considerable person, and I would be remiss if I did not let you know that.<BR/><BR/>My family and I will have you continually in our prayers as both of you go through this time, and we know from experience this means you won't be alone, nor should you be.<BR/><BR/>My finest to both of you, Bill Edwards<BR/>perfbill at hotmail dot comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309645277676051139.post-64081245367086660722007-11-08T12:33:00.000-05:002007-11-08T12:33:00.000-05:00Mary Jane and John,When lucky enough to hear John ...Mary Jane and John,<BR/><BR/>When lucky enough to hear John play in Sedalia’s Liberty Center, probably 1999, I recall my sense of awe. At the time, I believe I simply responded, “Wow!” A friend replied: “I was wondering if you could hear that.” <BR/><BR/>As a non-musician, I lack the words to describe exactly what I heard. However, what I remember was not only technical virtuosity; it was also the emotion coming through the music. I can’t recall the specific selection John played that left me feeling as it did, but it was one I’d heard many times--played technically well in each case, I’m sure--but without a sensitive performer breathing life into it.<BR/><BR/>Sue Attalladawgsterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13748636878767033496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309645277676051139.post-13153872570101750822007-11-07T23:33:00.000-05:002007-11-07T23:33:00.000-05:00Dear John and Mary Jane: I just heard about John...Dear John and Mary Jane: I just heard about John's condition, and wanted to let you both know that I'm thinking about you, like so many others. John, so many of us have admired your superb technique, and we marvel at the way you use those great chops in the service not of showing off, but of making beautiful music. I'm a big fan. <BR/><BR/>Butch ThompsonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309645277676051139.post-86508161294580296232007-11-07T23:28:00.000-05:002007-11-07T23:28:00.000-05:00Dear John and Mary Jane: I just found out about J...Dear John and Mary Jane: <BR/><BR/>I just found out about John's condition, and want you both to know I'm thinking about you. John, you are a real guiding light to countless pianists. Like so many others, I've marveled at your wonderful technique, and I've also recognized that for you, the chops aren't just to show off -- you make beautiful music.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309645277676051139.post-59681805275198256832007-11-07T20:11:00.000-05:002007-11-07T20:11:00.000-05:00Dear folk:I've read the words, and find the love i...Dear folk:<BR/>I've read the words, and find the love in your home. I have a passion for music of almost all sorts, and find comfort in it. Keep the tunes playing. Ragtime will lift your spirits, and the heavier classics will provide insights. All the best.<BR/>Bill B.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309645277676051139.post-78902309926098207102007-11-07T19:05:00.000-05:002007-11-07T19:05:00.000-05:00Dear John and Mary Jane:I also heard about your bl...Dear John and Mary Jane:<BR/><BR/>I also heard about your blog through Ed Berlin.<BR/><BR/>I share your passion for collecting ragtime music. I am a huge fan of John's playing and have heard him play in Toronto a number of times. Hearing John play Hal Isbitz's tangos on Blue Gardenia is a special memory for me (I immediately got the music from Hal and struggle through trying to play it myself).<BR/><BR/>John was kind enough to email me several times with kind comments on my ragtime website. <BR/><BR/>From your blog I realize you are both blessed with family and friends and great memories. Best of luck.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309645277676051139.post-75407488281628864512007-11-07T18:34:00.000-05:002007-11-07T18:34:00.000-05:00Dear Arpins,Ed Berlin pointed me to the blog, and ...Dear Arpins,<BR/><BR/>Ed Berlin pointed me to the blog, and although I'm just another faceless name I'm sure, I just wanted to mention how much I've admired and respected John--even if always from a distance, through recordings, anecdotes, and videos. I came to ragtime in middle school as a pianist frustrated with playing the same classical "chestnuts" and with a keen interest in American history (I should add that I do still enjoy playing and listening to the classics). John's recordings of the complete piano works of Scott Joplin were among the first in my growing collection of ragtime recordings, and I have always counted them among my favorites: energetic, lyrical, and with such imaginative improvisations. Since then, I have been fortunate to hear many other recordings he has done and have always been delighted. For his musicality and talent--not to mention what I understand has always been a very likeable and humble personality (I've heard this from my friends Bill Edwards, Adam Swanson, and others)--John is a terrific role model and definitely someone who will be long, long remembered. I was so saddened to hear of his illness and hope that you can take some comfort in knowing the influence you have had and the joy you have brought to so many--and will for years to come. My thoughts are with you both at this difficult time.<BR/><BR/>Bryan WrightAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309645277676051139.post-73595771977296265722007-11-07T17:50:00.000-05:002007-11-07T17:50:00.000-05:00Dear Mary Jane,Thank you for the marvelous picture...Dear Mary Jane,<BR/><BR/>Thank you for the marvelous pictures and stories. And thank you for telling of John's love of collecting, a facet of his personality that we may have missed.<BR/><BR/>Ed BerlinEd Berlinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02174567291489949656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309645277676051139.post-47646597067047931972007-11-04T23:20:00.000-05:002007-11-04T23:20:00.000-05:00Dear John and Mary Jane:For some reason the earlie...Dear John and Mary Jane:<BR/><BR/>For some reason the earlier note I wrote has been deleted...Here is attempt #2.<BR/><BR/>You don't know me but John knows my family. I also grew up in Port McNicoll. I am the youngest son of Arthur and Alida Bell. John knows my older siblings (sisters) Nancy and Lorraine very well. John was the organist and choir director at our village church (Sacred Heart Church) and my sisters and Mom were in the choir there.<BR/><BR/>I have fond childhood memories of the family store - Arpin's Confectionary (I was born in 1960). I remember Mrs. Arpin very well. She stood just over 5 feet. She was always impeccably dressed. I remember the pickled eggs and all of the other interesting foods held in the glass containers on the shelves in the store...I also remember fondly John's brother, Leo, who would announce to his Mom when several of us (village kids) would enter the store, "Hey Mom, the gang's in here!" Leo was also a very good pianist. Whatever happened to the piano that stood just inside the family home toward the back of the store?<BR/><BR/>I am a musician of sorts as well. I have taught music in Toronto schools for the past seventeen years. I have been a Music Consultant with the Toronto Board of Education and the Coordinator of Music for the Toronto District School Board. <BR/><BR/>I was sad to hear that John is not well...He is certainly one who makes all Port McNicoll residents proud...Every time I hear his name mentioned on CBC radio or in other media, I must say I feel pride too. <BR/><BR/>I found out about John's condition and this Blog from Joe Tersigni (our cousin) and was grateful that he sent the email to me. This afternoon I forwarded Joe's email to my sisters and my brother. We gathered this afternoon for a family get-together and I mentioned John's to my family. My Mom sends her kind regards as do my siblings: Nancy, Lorraine, John, Mary Lynn and Donna.<BR/><BR/>All the best to you John in the next chapter of your journey through the Universe....and "thank you", Mary Jane, for standing close to John...and for providing the anecdotes that I read on your blog...In the words of the old "war-time" song...appropriate as we near Remembrance Day: "We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when..." (I also have an original copy of this sheet music in my filing cabinet...)<BR/><BR/>Mark Bell<BR/>mark.bell@pathcom.comMark Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02083231122443274207noreply@blogger.com