• 32 Tracks
  • Release Date: July 01, 2004

American Classics — Pipe Organ Extravaganza VIII
Rialto Square Theatre
Joliet, Illinois

4/27 Grande Barton Theatre Pipe Organ
5/104 Walker Digital Theatre Organ
4/26 Robert Morton Theatre Pipe Organ
5/80 Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ
Baldwin Grand Piano

Recorded live on April 23-25, 2004 at the now-legendary Rialtofest concert weekend, this 2-CD set features over 2 1/2 hours of exciting music, showcasing the performances of Jelani Eddington and other world-class musicians, including Dave Wickerham, Ron Rhode, and Rob Richards. The DePaul University Wind Ensemble makes special apparances as well.

This album not only features the beautiful 4-manual 27-rank Grande Barton pipe organ, but also is the very first recording of the largest digital theatre organ ever built:  a 5-manual 104-rank Walker digital theatre organ. As an added bonus, the recording features several tracks from other Chicago-area theatre organs used during the Rialtofest concert weekend, including the 5-manual 80-rank Sanfilippo Residence Wurlitzer, and the 4-manual 26-rank Van Der Molen residence Robert Morton.

The selections on this recording include:

Jelani Eddington (from the April 26, 2004 concert at the Rialto Theatre)

  • Anything Goes (4/27 Barton)
  • Of Thee I Sing (5/104 Walker)
  • Over The Rainbow (5/104 Walker)
  • Root Beer Rag (4/27 Barton)
  • Deep Purple (Ron Rhode at the 4/27 Barton and Jelani Eddington at the Baldwin Grand Piano)

Jelani Eddington (from his April 25, 2004 concert at the 4/26 Van Der Molen Residence Robert Morton)

  • El Relicario
  • Fiddle-Faddle
  • Bess, You Is My Woman

Ron Rhode (4/27 Barton & 5/80 Sanfilippo Wurlitzer)

  • Music, Music, Music (4/27 Barton)
  • Takin’ A Chance On Love (4/27 Barton)
  • No, Not Much (4/27 Barton)
  • Allegheny Moon (4/27 Barton)
  • The Shadow Of Your Smile (4/27 Barton)
  • Andrews Sisters Medley (4/27 Barton)
  • Deep Purple (4/27 Barton, with Jelani Eddington at piano)
  • Isn’t It Heavenly? (5/80 Sanfilippo Wurlitzer)
  • Titanic Medley (5/80 Sanfilippo Wurlitzer)

Rob Richards (5/104 Walker digital theatre organ)

  • Life Is A Cabaret
  • Star Trek Medley
  • Minnie’s You-Hoo
  • My Funny Valentine
  • Slaughter On Tenth Avenue

Dave Wickerham (4/27 Barton, 5/104 Walker, 5/80 Sanfilippo Wurlitzer)

  • Alexander’s Ragtime Band (4/27 Barton)
  • Stardust Melody (4/27 Barton)
  • Blue Tango / The Synchopated Clock (4/27 Barton)
  • Closer Walk (5/104 Walker)
  • Fats Waller Medley (5/80 Sanfilippo Wurlitzer)
  • Napoleon’s Last Charge (5/80 Sanfilippo Wurlitzer)

DePaul University Wind Ensemble

  • Yankee Doodle
  • Band Medley

All Artists and the DePaul University Wind Ensemble

  • Strike Up The Band
  • Rialto Ripples Rag
  • American March Medley
  • Stars & Stripes Forever

Total Time Disc One = 76:01
Total Time Disc Two = 78:25

This recording is available as a 2-CD set.