On January 10, 1990 the NIU Jazz Ensemble (now known as the NIU Jazz Orchestra) played a concert at the iconic Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois. The band had by then established a reputation as one of the very best collegiate jazz bands in the nation, a distinction it still holds today. Under the direction of founding faculty member Ron Modell, the Jazz Ensemble was joined that night by three well-known guest soloists Carl Fontana, Conte Candoli and Louie Bellson.
Recently, a high-quality audio recording of the concert was unearthed, and Joliet-based music production company Tantara Productions has made the recording and liner notes available for download. There is no retail price for the download, but there is a suggested donation of at least $10, and Tantara will donate all of the proceeds to NIU Foundation scholarship funds established in the names of both Ron Modell and Lynn Lichtenauer (the wife of Tantara’s owner Bill Lichtenauer).
The recording includes all 11 pieces performed that night and song and guest artist introductions by Modell.
Download the January 10, 1990 NIU Jazz Ensemble Concert at the Rialto Square Theatre.
Liner notes for download (PDF).
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE with CARL FONTANA, CONTE CANDOLI and LOUIE BELLSON
February 10, 1990 – The Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet, Illinois
Director and Emcee – Ron Modell
Trumpets – Al Hood*, Ed Sloka*, Scott Hall, Anthony Wiggins, Mark Hoffman. Trombones – Tom MacTaggart*, Ryan Miller, Eric Caliendo, Ed Partyka (b-tb). Reeds – Matt James*, Ian Nevins (as), Ken Partyka*, Bill Kotrba (ts), Brian Budzik (bs). Rhythm – John Blasucci (p), Larry Kohut (b), Eric Montzka (d), Mark Banach(g), Bill Elliott (perc).
* Lead
1. Carl Fontana intro
2. I’ve Got A Right To Sing The Blues
c: Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler / a: Sammy Nestico / Carl Fontana(tb)
3. Emily
c: Johnny Mandel, Johnny Mercer / a: Bill Rogers / Carl Fontana(tb)
4. Conte Candoli intro
5. Hip Shakin’
c: Frank Foster / a: Walt Levinsky or Dick Lieb (?) / Conte Candoli)tp)
6. It Might As Well Be Spring
c: Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II / a: Bob Ojeda /Conte Candoli(tp)
7. A Night In Tunisia
c: Dizzy Gillespie / a: Med Flory for Super Sax / Conte Candoli(tp), Al Hood(tp), Sax Section
8. Louie Bellson intro.
9. Ya Gotta Try
c & a: Sammy Nestico / John Blasucci(p), Louie Bellson(d), Ken Partyka(ts), Bill Kotrba(ts)
10. Cinderella’s Waltz
c & a: Don Menza / Mark Hoffman(tp), Louie Bellson(d)
11. If I Were A Bellson
c/a: Frank Mantooth / Louie Bellson (d), Brian Budzik (bs)
12. Tune intro
13. Three Ton Blues
c & a: Pete Christlieb / Ken Partyka(ts), Conte Candoli(tp), Carl Fontana(tb), Louie Bellson(d),
14. Tune Intro
15. Sing, Sing, Sing
c: Louis Prima / Conte Candoli(tp), Carl Fontana(tb), Louie Bellson(d)
16. We Love Being Here With You
c: Peggy Lee and Bill Schluger a: Phil Kelly / Ron Modell vocal
MASTERING ENGINEER: Ken Sluiter — website: www.kensluiter.com
