Allegheny Brass Band

Dave Molter | Trombone

Dave MolterTrombonist Dave Molter in past lives has been a writer, retail slave and (see below) quasi-rock star. He joined ABB in June 1999 after again taking up trombone, which he had not played for almost 25 years. A writer by education (and choice), he currently serves as Communications Coordinator for Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church.

Before he starts, Dave wants to thank Gina Spatula-Bambini for being a great dancer, grocery shopper and inspiration.

Dave began playing trombone in 1962 at the behest of his brother, Harry, who also played trombone and bass in several Pittsburgh area dance bands. When the Beatles arrived on the music scene, Dave taught himself to play electric bass and, from age 16 to 33, made a living as a professional musician in many, many rock bands. His main claims to fame as a musician are two 45-rpm records (remember those?) : "I Hear You Knockin', " by the group BlueByrd, released nationally on Buddah Records in 1970; and "Boogie Boogie Boogie," by the group Pyewacket, released regionally on Western World Records in 1973. Until recently, total sales of these records, including the ones Dave bought, were thought to number three copies. However, due to the Internet, Dave now has learned that a few showed up on Ebay at $9 a crack. A bargain at 1/3 the price. If only one of these records had the image of the Virgin Mary in the vinyl ... THIS JUST IN: A Claymation artist in California has expressed an interest in making an animated film of Pyewacket onstage on the early 1970s. Can a "Real World" special be far behind?

In addition to playing Principal, 2nd and bass trombones with ABB, Dave has been Principal Trombone with Edgewood Symphony Orchestra and has played all three trombone chairs (not simultaneously) in the Pittsburgh Savoyards Orchestra. He has also played 2nd trombone with the Pittsburgh Philharmonic Orchestra and various trombone chairs with the Stage 62, Pittsburgh Civic and Washington Symphony orchestras and the North Suburban Symphonic Band.

In January 2002, Dave re-entered the world of bass playing as part of the praise band at Christ Church at Grove Farm in Sewickley , PA. Reflecting on this unexpected turn of events, Dave has been heard to say, "God gave me many gifts. He (or she) just didn't tell me which one to open first." Ain't it funny how God always knows your size?

Dave's other interests include cooking (vegetarian chili is a favorite), making humus in his high-powered food processor, enriching uranium for use in a new-cu-ler-powered food processor, denying accountability and fantasizing that if he had been born 7 years years sooner and in England, HE would have been Paul McCartney. His musical influences include McCartney, The Beatles; Stan Kenton; trombonists Bruce Lazier, Dick Nash and the late Frank Rosolino and Ashley Alexander; rock musicians Paul Cebar, Joe Ely and Jason Falkner; the late Dee Murray (bassist with Elton John), bassist Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel) and composers Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Henry Mancini, and Gustav Holst.

OF NOTE: Dave had been working on an updating of the Broadway musical "Damn Yankees," starring Hilary Clinton as Lola, Hugo Chavez as Joe Hardy and George W. Bush as The Devil. However, production halted when Bush withdrew, claiming typecasting. A feature spot on "Dancing with the Stars" Is likely after Dave learns to dance and becomes a star.

Dave's one regret in life is that his parked car has never been struck by a car driven by Britney Spears.

Ticket info - call 800-555-1212