Comeback Jazz
Comeback Jazz was started by the Robert A.D. Schwartz Foundation to bring music, entertainment and memories to seniors through live music performances, specifically performing jazz from the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Comeback Jazz was created to benefit seniors living in retirement communities, non-profit housing and senior centers. We are based in the San Francisco Bay Area and serve seniors living throughout the East Bay.
Founder of Comeback Jazz, Robert A.D. (Bob) Schwartz
The History
In 1943, Bob (Robert A.D.) Schwartz had a 15 piece band while attending M.I.T. After graduating in June 1944 Bob left all of his instruments behind to become an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. Approximately 63 years later a professional jazz pianist moved in next door, and soon after Bob was back to Jazz. They played together every Saturday from then on, with other musicians joining eventually. Bob realized that playing jazz was ‘Therapy’ for him and The Therapists band was formed. The group started sharing their music with local seniors in retirement homes.
Bob Schwartz soloing with the M.I.T. Techtonians, 1943
The Music
Comeback Jazz, the debut CD recorded by the founding band members is typical of the music The Therapists play for seniors. The band found that the experience was not only therapeutic for the band but for everyone in the audience. The music brought back memories of past pleasures and experiences and even caused some seniors to get out of their wheelchairs to dance and sing.