Navy jazz ensemble to perform at Ocean City’s Tabernacle

The Commodores, The United States Navy’s premier jazz ensemble, will be featured in a free concert at the Ocean City Tabernacle, 5th and Wesley Ave., Nov.1 at 2 p.m.
Free tickets are available at City Hall Annex, 901 Asbury Ave., Mon.-Fri. from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., call 609-525-9300. Tickets may also be picked up at the Tabernacle.
Those without tickets will be admitted 10 minutes before the concert if seats are available.
The Commodores are a specialty unit of the United States Navy Band, Washington, D.C. The group features 18 of the Navy’s top jazz and “Big Band” musicians. The Commodores combine the best of jazz and popular music under the leadership of Senior Chief Musician, Philip M. Burlin.
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 including Ray Charles, Jerry Bergonzi, Louie Bellson, Terry Gibbs, Bob Mintzer, James Moody, Chris Potter and Eugene “Snooky” Young.
They have appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America and have played at the nation’s foremost jazz festivals and educational conferences including the Detroit/Montreux and Elkhart Festivals and the International Association of Jazz Educators Convention.
The Commodores trace their roots to before World War II when Band members with jazz experience formed dance bands and played on an “as needed” basis for specific occasions.
Responding to public demand for unique types of music, then Ensign Ned Muffley formed a dance band in 1966 from members of the concert and ceremonial units. In January 1969, the dance band officially became the Commodores jazz ensemble.
Their performances are high-energy affairs that not only pay tribute to legendary big bands of yesterday like the Glen Miller Orchestra but also feature original compositions from members of the group.
In 2008, the Commodores released their latest compact disc, “Directions,” which features many of these new compositions in addition to fresh arrangements of popular favorites.