Comments: Military Bands

One of the pleasures of living in the Washington, D.C. area (there ARE some), is that the three main military jazz bands make their homes here.
One of the better concerts I attended this past year was at George Washington University, where the Airmen of Note, the U-S Air Force’s jazz group, played host to the great guitarist Pat Martino. The band was inspired by Martino’s presence and the guitarist clearly dug being surrounded by such a talented big band, an experience I expect he doesn’t get to enjoy every day. And, of course, the icing on these GI jazz “cakes”: not a penny is charged for admission.
The Army Blues, the Navy’s Commodores and the Airmen all present periodic concerts in the DC area at attractive sites like the U-S Capitol steps, the Navy Memorial and various local parks, in addition to their tours around the country.
Hard to say which of the three bands is “best”. Each of them is worth hearing any time you get the opportunity.
John Birchard

Devra Hall, aka DevraDoWrite, sent this about military bands:

Joe Williams is one of the many jazz artists who loved to work with the
The Airmen of Note, the premiere Air Force band that was for many years
under the baton of Col. Gabriel. For about a year (2003-2004) I wrote a
monthly column for MilitaryMusic.com. Here are links to a couple of
those pieces still archived online:
Military History 101: Warrant Officers –
Song Notes: From WAAC to WAC to WAF –
And here’s a link to Patriotic Jazzmen, my blog post from last July4th. –
Devra

Good reports. Carry on. I’ll be in the area all day.