Artist: Rusty Bova Song: Closer Walk WIth Thee CD: Jazzin' With Jesus Genre: jazz Label:Gospel That Swings Homepage
Rusty Bova’s love for music was highly influenced by his parent’s enjoyment of big band music. But when his parents introduced the recordings of the legendary Benny Goodman, his life would be impacted in a major way.
During the Fifth grade, Rusty met with the local band instructor for the new season band round up. The band instructor told Rusty that he would make a great trombone player. Astounded, Rusty said, “No! I want to play the clarinet like Benny Goodman!” From that point forward and no turning back, his Dad purchased a wooden clarinet.
In addition to regular clarinet lessons, His Mom would play the old 78-phonograph recording of Benny Goodman’s “My Blue Heaven”. She would sing every note of the song so Rusty could find the notes and play them. After grueling attempts and many honks and squeaks “My Blue Heaven” became Rusty’s first big band song. Later his parents introduced another clarinet great, Pete Fountain and Sax legend, Boots Randolph. By this time, Rusty started to learn the meaning, “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.”
Rusty pursued an early professional career in Musical Instrument Repair. This pursuit became the beginning of over three decades as a Music Store and Music Academy Educator and Business Owner. (Visit www.ChooChooMusic.com )
Prior to graduating from the State University College of Fredonia, NY as a Music Education Major, Rusty was a member of the Fredonia Clarinet Ensemble, the Fredonia Jazz Ensemble and the Theatrical Orchestra. Rusty was recognized as a fine musician and a sought after repairman even to assist the college violin repair department.
Rusty has performed with the legendary Earl “Fatha” Hines, Billy Eckstien, Bill Tolle and Larnelle Harris and many others too. He performed the Weber Clarinet Concerto in New Orleans and toured the Country of Spain. Guest Conductor and Artist for Chautauqua Institution and Alfred State University. Served as Music Educator for Jamestown Community College and Entrepreneur. Rusty continues to perform many Jazz Evangelistic Concerts, Christian Festivals, Christian Radio and Television. “Jazz is so unique says Rusty, that it gives way to a gentle seamless introduction and entertaining experience to introduce the gospel.”
In 1985, Rusty had the amazing encounter with God’s only Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. When Jesus changed his life, he was very much called to the Lord’s Ministry and a unique one indeed. Rusty is founder of “Gospel That Swings”. With new meaning on life, Rusty began to arrange, record and perform classic hymns, jazz standards and swing arrangements in the 1940’s Big Band style including original works. All available on CD as well as on the internet.
Rusty is married to his beautiful wife Suzanne, together with 2 beautiful children, Jennifer and Michael. Now that’s “Gospel That Swings”!
Contact:
Rusty Bova
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716-326-6891
