The Boilermaker Jazz Band from Pittsburgh will be making their fifth appearance at the Watchung Arts Center, a successful run by any measure.  But this time the hard edged sound will be eased a bit through changes in instrumentation dictated by the needs of a fan's wedding the next day, resulting in a mellower feeling to the music.

      But they will still be The Boilermakers, a band that has won loyal fans in this area and across the country based upon many festival appearances and concerts for major jazz societies.  The band will play the Watchung Arts Center on Friday evening, October 25, with admission being only $12 for two sets, intermission snacks included in that modest price.  Music starts at 8 PM.

      The band will still prominently feature the soaring Albert System clarinet of leader Paul Cosentino, but he's adding some alto saxophone for certain numbers.  Dan Davisson will play mostly guitar instead of banjo, softening the tone a bit, and Ernest McCarty will employ a string bass instead of a tuba, adding to the effect.  The rhythm section is filled out with Richard Strong on drums and Mark Kotishion playing piano.

      Perhaps the most visible change in the band is the addition of vocalist Jennie Luvv.  She'll be singing a mix of standards and rarities, many made famous by early influences such as Bessie Smith, or Swing Era personalities such as Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.

      Paul Cosentino plans a segment that will feature tunes made popular by great clarinetists of the jazz era.  But they will not forgo their usual helpings of ragtime, hot jazz and swing.  "You will think you've gone to jazz heaven when you hear these guys!" say the people at the Sacramento Jazz Society.  "What a marvelous, rough, righteous and wonderful sound they have," adds the Potomac River Jazz Club.  Well, perhaps not so rough this trip.

      The band is in heavy demand at prestigious jazz festivals throughout the nation, and abroad: New Orleans, Sacramento, Fresno, Buffalo, Arizona, Las Vegas, Edinburgh, Toronto, Vancouver, Germany and Switzerland, to name a few.  They've played with the Pittsburgh Symphony (with Marvin Hamlisch) and for jazz societies on both coasts.  With four recordings now available, fans can also take the music home, and many do.

      Leader Paul Cosentino plays an authentic early Albert System clarinet, reminding many of George Lewis.  In the intimacy of the Arts Center's gallery, amplification is needed only for the vocals.

      Given the limited capacity and the uniqueness of this event, reservations are suggested.  They may be made by phone, calling (908) 753-0190 and leaving a message outside the 1 to 4 PM office hours.  Tickets will be held for pickup and payment at the door.

      The non-profit Watchung Arts Center is on the Watchung Circle, easily reached from throughout the region via Route 22 (Plainfield overpass) or Interstate 78 (exit 40).  Indeed, jazz fans from three states frequent the series here, and have for a dozen years.  Parking is free at adjacent municipal lots. 

Watchung Arts Center (1 to 4 PM best)    (908) 753-0190
Bruce M. Gast, Jazz Series Coordinator   (908) 755-2483
The Boilermakers (Paul Cosentino)        (412) 361-6610