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Rusty Bova does something no one else does: he takes old big band swing songs and remakes them with Christian lyrics, such that the songs you or your parents grew up on are now re-made to tell people about The Good News of Jesus Christ. It's "Gospel That Swings," and it's a great way to witness, using jazz music coupled with lyrics that point to a life-changing Savior.
Rusty Bova’s love for music was highly influenced by his parent’s enjoyment of big band music. But when his parents introduced him to 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 and Rusty became adept at playing the instrument with passion.
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 him to another clarinet great, Pete Fountain, along with 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.”
While he enjoyed making music, Rusty also 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. You can visit www.choochoomusic.com to see how he combines his love for music and toy trains into a business these days.
Prior to graduating from the State University College of Fredonia, New York, 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, assisting the college violin repair department.
Rusty has performed with the legendary Earl “Fatha” Hines, Billy Eckstein, Bill Tolle, and Larnelle Harris and many others. He performed the Weber Clarinet Concerto in New Orleans and toured Spain.
In 1985, Rusty had an amazing encounter with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. When Jesus changed his life, he felt called to the ministry, and he uses his unique giftings and talents by combining big band music with The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Rusty is the founder of “Gospel That Swings," and he arranges, records and performs classic hymns, jazz standards and swing arrangements in the 1940’s big band style, adjusting lyrics when needed to point listeners to Jesus.
His two CDs are Raising The Standards To Praise and Jazzin' With Jesus. You can buy them thru his website, www.rustybovaministries.com. Also, consider bringing him to your church for a unique concert. You may book him by calling 716-326-6891.
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