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The Boilermaker Jazz Band: I Love the Rhythm in a Riff

By Mackenzie Horne
February 20, 2019
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The Boilermaker Jazz Band: I Love the Rhythm in a Riff

Reedman

Paul Cosentino

clarinet
b.1966

" data-original-title="" title="">Paul Cosentino knows his audience and has made a living bringing joy to thousands in the global swing and blues dancing community. As leader of the Boilermaker Jazz Band, Cosentino performs with a brand of old-fashioned showmanship as sincere as it is charming. The band put down traditional roots in the '80s, and has since flourished on the swing scene with its authentic treatment of tunes made famous by

Johnny Hodges

saxophone, alto
1907 - 1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Johnny Hodges,

Duke Ellington

piano
1899 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Duke Ellington,

Count Basie

piano
1904 - 1984

" data-original-title="" title="">Count Basie,

Billy Eckstine

vocals
1914 - 1993

" data-original-title="" title="">Billy Eckstine, and more.

The Boilermakers have undergone several roster changes over the past three decades but the incarnation on I Love the Rhythm In A Riff produces a robust sound that stands apart from previous lineups. It is difficult to capture the group's live dynamic on record; so much of the Boilermaker Jazz Band's work is performance art, from costuming to audience interaction. While the record may not capture the golden age spirit of live performances, it showcases the talent and genre-literacy of each band member.

The project is packed with charming moments like

Jennifer McNulty

" data-original-title="" title="">Jennifer McNulty's endearing performance on "Oh! Look At Me Now" and Cosentino and DePaolis trading vocal lines on the title track. Guest pianist Gordon Gary's consistent playing makes the group sound larger than it is while trombonist

Jeff Bush

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Jeff Bush adds a thick, syrup-sweet layer of sound, giving a full-bodied feel to this collection of riff tunes and love songs. This album is a unique glimpse into the past and, for the swing dance community, a taste of what to expect from upcoming Boilermaker performances. It also marks the record debut of drummer

Thomas Wendt

drums
b.1978

" data-original-title="" title="">Thomas Wendt and bassist

Tony DePaolis

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Tony DePaolis with the band, making it a must-have for long-time fans.

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Track Listing

920 Special; They Say It��s Wonderful; Squatty Roo; I Had the Craziest Dream; Esquire Bounce; Sweet & Slow; Oh! Look at Me Now; Main Stem; Any Old Time; Dickie��s Dream; You Oughta Be in Pictures; Neal��s Deal; There Are Such Things; Tippin�� In; It Could Happen to You; I Love the Rhythm in a Riff

Personnel

Boilermaker Jazz Band

Paul Cosentino: clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, vocals; Jeff Bush: trombone, vocals; Tony DePaolis: bass, vocals; Thomas Wendt: drums; Gordon Webster: piano; Jennifer McNulty: vocals

Album information

Title: I Love the Rhythm in a Riff | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Self Produced

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