In January 1996, Rhode Island lost one of our finest performing musicians. His name was Arthur Pelosi and he was only 67 years old. Artie began playing tenor saxophone at age 14 and developed a special tone that attracted other quality performers.
Artie joined the Billy Collins Orchestra, then broke away and formed the Artones. They played regularly at the famous Celebrity Club at Randall Square in PVD. Later he became a valued member of the Duke Belaire Orchestra, where he performed as their tenor-saxophone soloist for nearly 25 years. (Duke’s Orchestra blasted away every Monday evening at Bovi’s Restaurant in East Providence.) Artie served on the executive board of the American Federation of Musicians for nearly 10 years.
His recorded CDs and quality tone continue to be heard throughout Rhode Island’s jazz world. Arthur Pelosi led the way (by example) for other developing tenor-saxophonists from RI, which included Scott Hamilton and Harry Allen. Jazz enthusiasts will not forget the personal quality sounds of Arthur Pelosi’s tenor saxophone.
More Posts by The Author:
Farewell Mike Renzi: Rhode Island’s Great Musical Loss
Jazz Insights: The Bassman Playeth
The Life and Success of George Wein: an appreciation
Jazz Insights: William “Billy” Osborne
Jazz Insights: Joe Holtzman
