Since 1988, Paul Cosentino’s Boilermaker Jazz Band has been bringing the sounds of the Jazz Age and the Swing Era back to life. You’ll hear familiar tunes and rarities performed by superb instrumentalists and heartfelt vocalists as the band interprets jazz classics and the Great American Songbook in their own unique fashion. Listeners and dancers agree that the Boilermaker Jazz Band can make any crowd move with their infectious beat and enthusiasm.
A Tribute to Benny Goodman’s Jazz Chamber Music
Benny Goodman was known as the King of Swing–his iconic Big Band recordings of the 1930’s & 40’s are instantly recognizable and still popular today. From High School stage bands to pros, the arrangements will be forever fresh and vibrant.
But Benny and his swinging clarinet were just as comfortable–if not more at home–in a small group setting. Dubbed by some as “chamber jazz”, his small groups always featured the best musicians in the world: Teddy Wilson on piano, Gene Krupa on drums, and Lionel Hampton on vibes formed the original quartet. They could play it hot–really blazing on tunes like Avalon and After You’ve Gone–and delicate on lovely numbers like Body and Soul and Moonglow. This was a trailblazing group as it was considered one of the first openly integrated bands performing in concerts halls and movies.
Benny Goodman was also fortunate enough to work with some of the finest female vocalists of the era including Peggy Lee, Martha Tilton, Ella Fitzgerald, and the Helens- Ward and Forrest. These ladies always brought a touch of class and grace to the proceedings along with the requisite swing factor!
In this concert Paul Cosentino and the Boilermaker Jazz Band will bring the energy and delicate swing of the small bands to you, performing some of their best known material. You’ll also hear some of your favorite Goodman Big Band melodies, done small band style. Jennifer McNulty brings you selections by Benny’s Girls including Why Don’t You Do Right?, You Turned the Tables on Me, and Goodnight My Love.
The Boilermaker Jazz Band has performed at major venues coast-to-coast and around the world, including Lincoln Center, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and the Smithsonian. The band also boasts an impressive list of appearances at Festivals, Concert Series, and Swing Dance Events, including (but certainly not limited to) the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the International Lindy Hop Championships- Washington DC, Catalina Island Swing Festival- California, Canadian Swing Dance Championships- Montreal, the Edinburgh International Festival- Scotland, and the Jeju Island Swing Festival- South Korea.
Paul and the Boilermakers have recorded 14 critically acclaimed albums and have received rave reviews for their live performances. The Boilermakers have also appeared on radio shows across the country and overseas, including an NPR jazz series. The band’s music was also featured on the hit Fox TV show “So You Think You Can Dance”.
Pro-Art partners with a variety of venues, therefore individuals with mobility issues or general questions are encouraged to call (276) 376-4520 or email the Pro-Art office at pro-art@uvawise.edu. For evolving conditions related to weather cancellations, or similar unforeseen circumstances, patrons are encouraged to check proartva.org for up-to-date information.
Pro-Art is supported in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the C. Bascom Slemp Foundation, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Mountain Empire Community College, the Columbus Phipps Foundation, and the Lee County Community Foundation.
