Manhattan through a jazzman's eye

Joel Forrester is a perceptive observer of New York & the U.S.

For an article about him in "The New York Times", please CLICK.

Joel's loft is "on the Bowery" *

" I've lived on 'The Bowery', for 30 years. It's gentrified now, but it used to be known for bums. I knew some of them well.

The Bowery is a few steps from immigrants' neighborhoods, which Jewish writers and movies have made famous. Today Chinatown has taken over. It's vast and very colorful. Wall Street and Ground Zero are a few steps away.

We can talk over the visit at my place, with a glass of wine. And if you like, I will play for you."

Gospel *

"The congregation of Grace Gospel Church in the South Bronx is elderly and sings a kind of music that is difficult for most young musicians to play, not to mention compose.

That 's one reason why I, a white man, am their pianist. Another reason : a welcome to the outside world. You will find great hospitality."

* The music of black urban churches

• Joel's account of his neighborhood is also a unique account of modern New York: joelforrester.com/THREE_MEMORABLE_DRUNKS.html ).

• For videos and more information: http://joelforrester.com/