Ernie Hawkins & Band sparkle at Calliope

Ernie Hawkins with Marc Reisman, left, Roger Day and Paul Cosentino. (Jim White photo)

I'm not sure how Ernie Hawkins knew just  how much BlueNotes enjoys the clarinet as played by Paul Cosentino, but it was extremely good of him to to include both in his band at the grand opening of the Calliope Center Stage Concerts Friday night at Calliope's new  performance space, Simmons Hall, at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.

In fact, Ernie put together a very fine band for the occasion -- "We even rehearsed," he quipped -- Pittsburgh harp wizard Marc Reisman, tuba-meister Roger Day, percussionist and washboarder Rich Strong, and Cosentino. Maybe the only thing missing was some hot honky-tonk piano.

Strong and Cosentino both hail from the Boilermaker Jazz Band, and the mixture of all these top-flight artists, plus Hawkins' masterful guitar work, made for a highly entertaining set of old blues mingled with jazz and other fine old-time music.

The group effortlessly put together a nice mix of the old blues and rags at which Hawkins excels ("Deep Ellum Blues"), enhanced by harp, tuba and clarinet, plus a few songs that you might not normally expect at a Hawkins show ("Blue Skies"), all stitched seamlessly together .

Ernie opened with "Ragtime Millionaire," and as soon as Cosentino kicked in with the clarinet, you knew this was gonna be a fun night. The licorice stick has always been a staple of fine old jazz, but in the right hands, often speaks well of the blues.

Early on, Hawkins paid tribute to his teacher, legendary guitarist  Rev. Gary Davis, noting that Davis was the most interesting person he'd ever met, then played what he said was his mother's favorite song, Davis' "Slow Drag."

That's the way the evening went -- a little interesting chatter between songs, and a lot of interesting songs between the chatter. Songs like "Soul of a Man," "Diddy Wah Diddy," "Mean Little Poodle," "Glory of Love," "Hello Central, Give Me Dr. Jazz," "Whatcha Gonna Do," "Basin Street Blues" and "Step It Up and Go." That's not a complete set list, but hey, BlueNotes had to enjoy the music as well as take notes. And it should give you a nice flavor of the evening's music.

While the entire band was sharp and excellent, I really enjoyed the addition of clarinet to the mix. Cosentino's wailing turned "Basin Street Blues" into a little gem, and seemed to add just the right notes everywhere. Hawkins also brought out his ukulele for a duet with the tuba that he called "Tubalele." Never underestimate the power of a good tuba. Apologies to very able percussionist Strong, for not having a photo that included him. His washboard solos were inspired, although to call it a "washboard" really understates its contribution.

It was an excellent start to the Calliope season in the newly redone Simmons Hall.  The basement room is cozy without being tiny (seating up to 150), and the new candlelit tables create a club atmosphere instead of the previous rows of folding chairs. The mirrored walls have been covered with soft, muted draperies. Yes, there was a bar. Alas, the space was only partially full for this fine show. A couple of BlueNotes readers have suggested that the dinner show was too costly, although it was a benefit. Still, BlueNotes understands the pressure of an empty wallet. Ain't that just like the blues?

Calliope always seems to put on good shows, and this space should make them even better. Except when they aren't held there. This Friday, Calliope will be collaborating on a show to be held at the Thunderbird Cafe in Lawrenceville, with another great blues guitarist, Paul Rishell, with Annie Raines. More on that, including an interview, later this week.

Marc, Ernie and Paul lean into their music. (Jim White photo)