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U.S. Army Blues
The U.S. Army Blues: Swinging In The Holidays
by Dan Bilawsky
Many a Christmas album plays the role of aural security blanket, serving up gently nostalgic sentiments to soothe the common man. This isn't one of them. The U.S. Army Blues--the big band outgrowth/offshoot of The United States Army Band “Pershing's Own"--ushers in the holiday season with an exciting set that's more well-oiled romp than relaxing balm. Over the course of fifteen numbers this tight outfit delivers with might and flight. SGM Craig Fraedrich's arrangement of Leroy Anderon's ...
Continue ReadingU.S. Army Blues: Live At Blues Alley
by Chris M. Slawecki
Times have surely changed since The U.S. Army Blues was founded in 1942 (as “Pershing's Own," the Army Dance Band) to entertain soldiers and civilians in combat zones during WWII. But this Blues band has managed to keep pace, and has performed at the Monterey and Montreux Jazz Festivals and at New York City's hallowed Birdland, sharing these and other stages with Dave Brubeck, James Moody, Dr. Billy Taylor and other jazz greats. Live at Blues Alley presents ...
Continue ReadingU.S. Army Blues: Live At Blues Alley
by Dan Bilawsky
When thinking of military bands, many tend to focus on their sterling technique and punctilious performances above all else. Creative concerns are rarely part of the conversation, but this album makes you wonder why. The U.S. Army Blues, a blue-chip big band of brothers that serves as the flagship jazz ensemble in the titular military branch, manages to position itself as a group that's every bit as fastidious as its concert band counterpart(s), yet equally concerned with matters related to ...
Continue ReadingApril 16 - Northern VA - Ed Palermo and the Army Blues Perform the Music of Frank Zappa
Source:
All About Jazz
On Thursday, April 16, big band leader and arranger Ed Palermo will conduct the U.S. Army Blues ensemble in a program of the music of 20th century composer Frank Zappa. As a jazz arranger, composer, bandleader and saxophonist, Ed Palermo works magic with Frank Zappa’s music. Since 1994, he has devoted the bulk of the performance by his NY-based, 16-piece Ed Palermo Big Band to his arrangements of Zappa’s compositions. These big-band jazz arrangements are no mere transcriptions; they are ...
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