United States Navy Jazz Band - Commodores

For more than half a century, the U.S. Navy Band Commodores, the Navy's premier jazz ensemble, has delivered world-class jazz performances in support of the nation. Founded as a standalone unit in 1969, this 19-member ensemble comprises some of the finest musicians in the world and furthers the American jazz legacy through public concerts, national concert tours, ceremonial support, educational outreach and clinics and high-visibility protocol performances for the most senior military and civilian government officials. The first Navy jazz bands emerged during World War I under Navy bandmaster Lt. John Philip Sousa, establishing a lineage of elite musicianship that continues to bring the Commodores to world-renowned stages, such as the Monterey Jazz Festival, Savannah Jazz Festival, Blues Alley and the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild. Considered one of the most preeminent jazz ensembles in the world, the Commodores have shared the stage with internationally acclaimed guest artists including James Taylor, Ray Charles, Sean Jones, Melissa Aldana, Branford Marsalis, Clark Terry, Chris Potter, Mark Turner and Miguel Zenon. An extremely versatile unit, band members contribute original compositions and arrangements for their vast musical library, including the repertoire of legendary Navy musician veterans such as Artie Shaw, Claude Thornhill and John Coltrane. Commodores concerts feature something for everyone, from classic big band repertoire and exciting vocal jazz arrangements to cutting-edge modern works written by members of the band.