April 30, 2010
New Arts Jazztet to present spring concert
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The New Arts Jazztet, a top-flight jazz ensemble made up of Southern Illinois University Carbondale faculty musicians, presents its spring concert on May 7.
The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in Altgeld Hall on campus. Tickets are free.
The spring concert upholds a 14-year tradition of featuring new music written by members of the ensemble. Seven new pieces light up the musical program. The audience will hear “Past Lives,” by Bob Allison, “Changes We Can Believe In” and “Arkadia” by Phil Brown, “DJ’s Wisdom,” by Mel Goot, two compositions by Dick Kelley and a new one from Tim Pitchford.
New Arts Jazztet (NAJ) is Bob Allison (trumpet), Phil Brown (bass), Ron Coulter (percussion), Mel Goot (piano), Dick Kelley (reeds), and Tim Pitchford (trombone). Allison is one of the founding members, Kelley is the newest recruit.
NAJ dates back to 1983, founded by SIUC School of Music faculty and remaining in residence from that time.
Upcoming appearances include the Spring Fest in Makanda (May 2), the Jazz Education Network Conference in St. Louis (May 22), the Paducah Music Festival (May 23), and Southern Illinois Music Festival concerts at Cedarhurst in Mount Vernon (June 15) and the Herrin Civic Center (June 22).
The group instituted what may become a new tradition last fall with a concert highlighting jazz standards.