Oftentimes, we need to look no further than our own area to discover supreme talent. Since 1994, Sal Andolina has been the principal clarinetist, bass clarinetist, and saxophonist for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. It does not begin or end there. Sal has supported many of the greats who have come through the BPO such as Marvin Hamlish, Natalie Cole, Nancy Wilson, and more.
On Saturday, October 8th at 8 pm, Sal Andolina appears with the BPO in a special tribute to the legendary Benny Goodman. This performance, entitled Benny and Me, will feature Andolina with the BPO Big Band and Orchestra. It will also include a guest appearance on two songs by vocalist Colleen Williams.
Sal Andolina has a personal connection to Benny Goodman through a chance meeting. His story about meeting the great Benny Goodman at a chamber concert in New York City, where Andolina was appearing, is worth sharing:
“It was amazing to have a legend (Benny) sitting so close, hearing and watching every note you played! Afterward, Benny came up to me and said ‘… just like they played in my day.…next time you’re in town, call me.’ Without missing a beat, I said, ‘Well, I’m here tomorrow’.” Andolina went to Goodman’s home the next day. Sal relates: “We played for two hours-Mozart and Bach duets, went through some of the literature, Brahms, Copland and Poulenc. I asked Benny to play a song for me. I remember how beautifully he played the melody, adding his trademark embellishments. It was perfection.”
Sal Andolina recorded a solo CD in tribute to Benny Goodman, Like Benny To Me, displaying the melodic sounds of Goodman with masterful craftsmanship. In essence, preserving the inspiration this chance meeting provided in Andolina’s musical career.
Go to the BPO website and reserve tickets for what is bound to be a spectacular show that honors the legacy of Benny Goodman.
Keep Jazz Alive In WNY!!
