Central Illinois Jazz Society Presents
In concert…
Bill Evans Tribute Concert
The Bill Evans Tribute Concert on Oct 17, 2022, was simply amazing. We wanted to give those of you who couldn’t be there a chance to hear a bit of that show. RE: A Person I Knew is a Bill Evans composition that is performed on this recording by Derel Monteith - piano, Andy Crawford - bass, Jason Brannon - drums, George Turner - guitar, and Dan Burke - Tenor Sax. We hope you enjoy this wonderful performance of a Bill Evans classic - RE: A Person I Knew.
Greg Ward’s Rogue Parade
This is a re-broadcast of the second set of Greg Ward's Rogue Parade at the Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival edited for length and easier viewing. Greg Ward's Rogue Parade played live at the Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg Illinois for the Knox College Rootabaga Jazz Festival Friday, April 17. Please enjoy hometown artist, Greg Ward, and his Rogue Parade Project.
David Hoffman and Friends
David Hoffman and Friends performed this concert on March 21, 2021 — featuring an All-Star lineup of excellent musicians from the Central Illinois area. David on trumpets and flugelhorn, joined by Derel Monteith on keyboard, Mike Nellas on guitar, Andy Crawford on Bass, and Jason Brannon on drums.
CIJS House Band
On February 21, 2021, the CIJS House Band, led by Larry Harms, Live Streamed on the CIJS Facebook page. We all miss Larry and his group, the mainstay of our monthly concerts. Larry has supported CIJS and taught Jazz at ICC for over 30 years. Larry was on saxophone, along with Scott Anderson on Guitar, Jon Byler Dann on Bass, Jeremy Clark on Drums, and Matt Buczko on Trumpet. They played a delightful variety of modern and classic jazz tunes. Larry and his dedicated, top-notch band members are always a pleasure to hear and see.
Concert Sponsors: John and Sharon Amdall
Derel Monteith Trio
In September 2019, the Derel Monteith Trio performed several of Derel's original songs for a professional, multi-camera video shoot (video by Jim Kelton & audio by Bill Duncan of Cedar Hills Sound}. The songs were mostly drawn from the trio's October 2019 release "Quantity Of Life," which JAZZIZ called "a trio date full of melody and refined grooves." To celebrate the one-year anniversary of that release and to support the ongoing efforts of the Central Illinois Jazz Society during the pandemic, Derel is releasing three of the videos for the first time. Enjoy these performances while we wait for Derel and the trio to return to live performance!
This song is not on the "Quantity Of Life" album but is a favorite one for reaching back to a more traditional style. A member of my family reconnected with an old flame by getting an email from her alma mater, and this song is based upon a long version of the blues form - so, "A Note From The Old School." - Derel
This is a stylized musical caricature of gritty urban streetscapes and the slinky, uncertain feelings they inspire. The title could describe how to walk through the city at night or it could be a name for someone you see on the street. Musically, it shifts between a stuttering funk groove and stoptime medium swing, but moves to double-time swing for the piano solo. - Derel
I wrote this song on election night in 2016 instead of following the presidential election returns on TV. It was inspired by the genuine but wildly different passions and concerns that Americans had in 2016 about the future direction of the country. Obviously those passions and concerns have only become more acute and divisive over the past four years. To reflect the chaotic disintegration of meaningful political debate, the song includes a piano solo that deliberately evolves into "free" playing with no clear harmony or rhythm. It then ends with an improvised solo piano interlude and a reprise of the original melody. - Derel
Donate
If you enjoyed these videos, please consider supporting CIJS with a donation. As a nonprofit organization, each contribution goes directly toward funding future concerts and other jazz events as well as scholarships for local college students. If you like what you see and hear, please let us know and give us an idea of who you would like to hear in the future.
Thank you from all of us at CIJS!
PAST PERFORMANCES
Gaile Teresa Thomas
Gaile was an extraordinary vocalist who passed away on January 30, 2004. For over 20 years Gaile performed in the Peoria area in a number of venues. She worked with many of the best musicians in central Illinois and it was always our pleasure to feature Gaile at our monthly concerts. These two recordings are from her time with her own band - The Gaile Thomas Quintet - and her tenure with Dave & the Dynamics. Please enjoy the amazing Gaile Thomas.
Illinois Central Jazz Train
The concert scheduled for our November 2020 performance would have been the Illinois Central Jazz Train. Under the direction of Mr. Larry Harms, the IC Jazz Train has been performing throughout central Illinois for the last 20+ years with their home base being Illinois Central College. The IC Jazz Train released a CD in 2018 entitled Boxcar Tourists. With Larry’s kind permission we are pleased to present to you the IC Jazz Train’s Boxcar Tourists.
Glenn Wilson and Chip Stevens
Our September 2020 concert was to feature baritone saxophonist Glenn Wilson and pianist Chip Stevens. Glenn and Chip have been performing as a duo for quite a while and just last October released a recording of standards and original songs on the Capri record label. The recording - Sadness & Soul - is featured, in part, on our website as a chance to hear what would have been a stellar concert. Thanks so much for your continued support of the Central Illinois Jazz Society.
Judy Page Project
Our May 2020 CIJS concert was to feature the Judy Page Project but, instead, was cancelled because of the ongoing shelter in place order. Judy has graced our stage on a number of occasions and so, with her kind permission, we have posted a show from 2011. With Judy that night were Gary Atkisson on bass, Tevin Keeton on drums, Steve Degenford on guitar, Dorsey Doss on keys, and Eric Jackson on sax. Please enjoy the music and stay safe.
CIJS House Band
The April 2020 CIJS concert was cancelled due to COVID, so we thought you might enjoy hearing something from our fabulous and world famous House Band. Sit back and enjoy the CIJS House Band under the direction of Mr. Larry Harms.
David Hoffman & Friends
David Hoffman & Friends would have been featured at our March 15, 2020, concert. Because of the shelter in place order that show was cancelled so we thought that we would post a past David Hoffman & Friends concert for you to enjoy.
