Commodores
The Navy's premier jazz ensemble, the Commodores, presents the finest in America's truly original music. A specialty unit of the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C., the group features 18 of the Navy's top jazz and "big band" musicians. Under the leadership of Senior Chief Musician Philip M. Burlin, the Commodores combine the best of jazz, popular and patriotic music.
Since their founding in 1969, the Commodores have become one of the most acclaimed jazz ensembles in the country. Many jazz legends have appeared with the group, such as Ray Charles, Stanley Turrentine, Louie Bellson, Terry Gibbs, Chris Potter, Jerry Bergonzi, Bob Mintzer, Dave Leibman, James Moody, and Clark Terry. They have also appeared on ABC's "Good Morning, America." The ensemble is sought after by the nation's foremost jazz festivals and educational conferences such as the (former) International Association of Jazz Educators Convention, The Midwest Clinic, the Detroit/Montreux Jazz Festival and the Elkhart (Ind.) Jazz Festival. They are also featured at the annual Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium.
Their performances are high-energy affairs that not only pay tribute to the legendary big bands of yesterday, but also feature original compositions and arrangements by members of the group. In 2009, the Commodores released their latest compact disc, Directions. The Commodores continue to preserve the great heritage of jazz while also being an innovative force for the future.
